Expect a defensive battle when the Boston College Eagles (9-3) challenge the 10th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies (12-1, 1-0 ACC) at Cassell Coliseum. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ACC Network.
Boston College Eagles at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Odds
Both teams dismantled their last opponent. The Hokies defeated the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs 87-59, while the Eagles beat the Milwaukee Panthers 73-53.
Boston College dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.429 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.9. Milwaukee was 0.138 and 27.1, respectively, for those same stats. The Hokies, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 vs. 15.4) and had a much better turnover percentage (21.9 vs. 34.8). Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a good outing for Virginia Tech with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Boston College, meanwhile, rallied around Ky Bowman, who put up 19 points and eight rebounds.
The Hokies won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 85-80. The Hokies’ 11.5 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Eagles, who had a mark of 18.4. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Eagles’ Bowman has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Justin Robinson has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Hokies.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Virginia Tech currently ranks second in effective field goal percentage (0.615) and Boston College is 46th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.470). Additionally, the Eagles, who rank 11th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.318), will go head-to-head against the Hokies, who rank first in opponents’ FTA rate (0.127).
Boston College Eagles at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Boston College, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Boston College ranks 30th in rebounds per game (39.6) while Virginia Tech ranks 211th (33.8).
- The Eagles rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Hokies rank 71st (3.2).
- Virginia Tech is 12th in the country with 4.7 steals allowed per game while Boston College is 34th with 5.6 steals allowed per game.
- The Hokies rank 12th in assists per game (18.0) while the Eagles rank 190th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
- Virginia Tech averages 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 80th in the country. Boston College ranks 236th in three pointers allowed per game (26.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.8, down from 24.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (0.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.0 points per game (2.8 below their season average).
