It will be a showdown between two stifling defenses when the Boston College Eagles (9-4, 0-1 ACC) clash against the fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (13-0, 1-0 ACC) at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Virginia Cavaliers at Boston College Eagles Betting Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Eagles defeated the Milwaukee Panthers 73-53, while the Cavaliers beat the Towson Tigers 73-42.
Virginia dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a turnover percentage of 7.5 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.574. Towson had marks of 20.9 and 0.366, respectively, for those same stats. Boston College, meanwhile, played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.429 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9. Milwaukee recorded marks of 0.138 and 27.1, respectively, for those same stats. Boston College was led by Ky Bowman, who put up 19 points and eight rebounds. De’Andre Hunter, meanwhile had a good outing for Virginia, putting up 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers won the only contest between these two teams last season, 59-58. Virginia had a much better turnover percentage (12.9 vs. 19.1). Boston College, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (7-7; 100.0 percent). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Bowman has taken his game to another level recently for Boston College, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
Boston College does a solid job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank seventh in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.325), but Virginia is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 48th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.185). Moreover, the upper-echelon offense of the Cavaliers ranks 60th in effective field goal percentage (0.546), while the Eagles are 50th-best in the country at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.473).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Boston College Eagles Betting Pick
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (18.6) while Boston College ranks 231st (26.3).
- The Eagles rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Cavaliers rank 62nd (2.9).
- Virginia allows the 24th-fewest steals per game (5.1) while Boston College ranks 31st (5.6).
- The Cavaliers rank second in assists allowed per game (8.1) while the Eagles rank 186th (14.8).
- Virginia ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.3) while Boston College ranks 174th (36.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (0.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 27.2, up from 22.5 for the season.
