The North Carolina State Wolfpack (21-10, 11-7 ACC) and the Boston College Eagles (18-14, 8-11 ACC) go head-to-head in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Barclays Center. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Boston College Eagles vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Free Preview
The Eagles were victorious over the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in their last game, 87-77. Ky Bowman led Boston College in scoring with 26 points on 8-for-13 shooting. Boston College played a nearly perfect game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.483 (above their season average of 0.218) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.2 (below their season average of 29.7). Georgia Tech had marks of 0.192 and 18.8, respectively, for those same stats.
The last time the Wolfpack played, they beat the Louisville Cardinals, 76-69. With 16 points on 3-for-13 shooting, Allerik Freeman led North Carolina State in scoring. North Carolina State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 5.4 (better than their season average of 14.8) and a free throw rate of 0.271 (above their season average of 0.240). For those same stats, Louisville put up marks of 19.3 and 0.250, respectively.
North Carolina State appears to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Wolfpack rank 39th in offensive efficiency, while the Eagles rank 208th in defensive efficiency.
Of Boston College’s 25 games with betting action, 15 have finished over the O/U total, while 13 of North Carolina State’s 24 games have finished over the O/U total. The Wolfpack have the superior straight up (SU) record (21-10 vs. 18-14), but both teams are right around the .500 mark against the spread (ATS).
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Eagles, it’s been Jordan Chatman, who has averaged 14.0 points, while the Wolfpack have received solid contributions from Freeman (21.0 points and 1.4 steals).
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined for 148 points, which was under the projected point total of 159. The Wolfpack won 82-66, covering as 5-point favorites. North Carolina State’s free throw rate was their largest strength over Boston College. The Wolfpack had a rate of 0.250, while the Eagles posted a mark of 0.053. Freeman had a stellar game, with 20 points and six rebounds.
Boston College Eagles vs. North Carolina State Wolfpack Betting Prediction
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Boston College, ATS Winner – Boston College, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Eagles average 37.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 77th in the nation. The Wolfpack rank 163rd in rebounds allowed per game (35.0).
- Boston College ranks 126th in blocks per game (3.3) while North Carolina State ranks 185th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- North Carolina State ranks 28th in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Boston College ranks 267th (24.6).
- The Wolfpack rank 30th in steals per game (7.6) while the Eagles rank 218th (5.1).
- North Carolina State ranks 29th in assists per game (16.1) while Boston College ranks 161st in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Bettings Trends:
- North Carolina State is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Boston College is 2-2-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Wolfpack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 9.2, up from 7.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 78.4 points per game (2.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
