It will be a battle between ACC opponents when the Boston College Eagles (13-8, 3-5 ACC) welcome the Virginia Tech Hokies (15-6, 4-4 ACC) to Silvio O. Conte Forum. The game is scheduled to get underway at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 31, 2018.
Virginia Tech is a 2.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 158 points.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Boston College Eagles Betting Prediction
The Hokies come in on a high note after topping the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in their last contest, 80-75. Virginia Tech’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Notre Dame. The Hokies had a rate of 0.632 (above their season average of 0.597), while the Fighting Irish posted a mark of 0.492. Virginia Tech rallied around Chris Clarke, who put up 12 points and 14 rebounds.
In the Eagles’ last game, they lost big to the Syracuse Orange, 81-63. Syracuse’s 34.8 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Boston College, who had a mark of 20.0. The Orange’s mark was below their season average of 37.6, while the Eagles’ was below their season average of 29.9. With 20 points, Boston College’s Ky Bowman had a good game.
Points at the line might be hard to find for Boston College in this showdown. The Eagles rank 265th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.214, while Virginia Tech ranks 50th in FTA rate allowed (0.193).
Virginia Tech comes into the game with records of 15-6 straight up (SU) and 10-7 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has a tendency to set the total low when the Hokies are involved, as 11 of their 16 games have ended over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Boston College is 13-8 SU and 8-7 ATS. Of the Eagles’ 15 games that accepted bets, 8 have finished over the projected point total.
Justin Robinson has averaged 18.4 points and 6.0 assists over the last five games for Virginia Tech.
After the Hokies won both matchups against the Eagles last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Virginia Tech won 91-75. The Hokies made 17 of their 20 free throws (85.0 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.804 vs. 0.589).
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Boston College Eagles Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Boston College, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Virginia Tech is 4-4 ATS with 6 overs and 2 unders.
Boston College is 5-2 ATS at home with 5 overs and 2 unders.
Virginia Tech ranks 117th in three pointers attempted per game (22.8) while Boston College ranks 243rd in three pointers allowed per game (24.9).
The Hokies rank 12th in assists per game (17.6) while the Eagles rank 135th (13.8).
Boston College ranks 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Virginia Tech ranks 122nd (3.7).
The Eagles rank 36th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Hokies rank 63rd (5.7).
Boston College ranks 71st in rebounds per game (37.8) while Virginia Tech ranks 88th in rebounds allowed per game (33.5).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Virginia Tech is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Boston College is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 push over their last five games.
The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.4, down from 12.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 73.0 points per game (2.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 80.2 points per game (9.0 above their season average).
