The No. 10 Virginia Tech Hokies (12-1, 1-0 ACC) will try to lengthen their five-game winning streak against the Boston College Eagles (9-3) at Cassell Coliseum. The game will air on ACC Network at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019.
Boston College Eagles vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Free Prediction
The last time the Eagles played, they dismantled the Milwaukee Panthers, 73-53. The Eagles had a much better free throw rate (0.429 vs. 0.138) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.9 vs. 27.1). With 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting, Ky Bowman was the top scorer from either team.
The Hokies dismantled the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in their last outing, 87-59. The Hokies 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 was the game’s top scorer with 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Hokies won the sole contest against the Eagles last season, 85-80, these teams will meet for the first time this year. The Hokies’ turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Eagles. Virginia Tech had a rate of 11.5, while Boston College posted a mark of 18.4.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Bowman (0 points) has been great for the Eagles while Justin Robinson (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Hokies.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, this will be a balanced contest. The upper-echelon Virginia Tech offense ranks second in the country in that metric at 0.615, while the stingy Boston College defense is ranked 46th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.470). Also, the Eagles, who rank 11th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.318), will battle against the Hokies, who rank first in opponents’ FTA rate (0.127).
Boston College Eagles at Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Boston College, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston College ranks 30th in rebounds per game (39.6) while Virginia Tech ranks 211th (33.8).
The Hokies average 18.0 assists per game, which ranks 12th in the country. The Eagles rank 190th in assists allowed per game (15.0).
Virginia Tech ranks 80th in three pointers attempted per game (24.6) while Boston College ranks 236th in three pointers allowed per game (26.7).
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.
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 6.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
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