Posted on
3/13/2008 5:06:28 PM
ACC College Basketball - Boston College at Maryland
By Eric Williams
Despite having one of the most electrifying offensive players in the nation in lightning quick junior point guard Tyrese Rice, the Boston College Eagles, (13-16 SU, 10-14 ATS, 15-9 O/U), have struggled for respectability while playing in one of the toughest conferences in the nation.
The Maryland Terrapins, (18-13 SU, 11-14-1 ATS, 13-13 O/U), haven’t exactly been world beaters either this season and are in danger of not being selected for the NCAA Tournament if they don’t pick up another win or two in their conference tournament, starting with the Eagles.
Both teams face tall tasks as neither is playing winning basketball coming into this contest.
Boston College has lost nine of their last ten in the BetUS.com Sportsbook and come into tonight’s matchup riding a six-game losing streak that includes a 86-78 loss to Georgia Tech last Saturday.
Maryland has gone a mediocre 5-5 in their last ten games and even more uninspiring 1-4 in their last five games and comes into tonight’s conference matchup riding a two-game losing streak that includes a 91-76 loss at Virginia last Sunday.
The Eagles are averaging 71.9 points per game on 46.0 percent shooting but have allowed their opponents to score a more-than-generous 72.2 points per game on 43.9 percent shooting.
The Terrapins are averaging 73.4 points per game on 46.1 percent shooting while allowing 69.5 points per game on 39.4 percent shooting.
Maryland leads the ACC and is 15th in the nation in field goal percentage defense.
Sophomore Greivis Vasquez leads the Terps with 17.5 points per game while Rice averages a solid 21.3 points per game for BC and is the second-leading scorer in the ACC.
The two teams split the two regular-season meetings, with each team winning on the road. BC won 81-78 in Maryland on Dec. 7 and Maryland returned the favor by winning at Boston College 80-65 on Feb. 6.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NCAA Basketball Free Picks.
The Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last six neutral site games as an underdog.
The Eagles are 8-2 ATS in their last ten neutral site games.
The Terrapins are 4-1 ATS in their last five games as a favorite.
The Terrapins are 5-2 ATS in their last seven Thursday games.
The Under is 8-2 in Eagles last ten neutral site games as an underdog.
The Under is 8-2 in Terrapins last ten games after allowing more than 90 points in their previous game.
The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in the last five meetings.
Analysis: While I think Maryland is going to win this game and improve their chances of earning an NCAA Tournament berth, I don’t think they’re going to win this matchup by the six points they need to cover the spread. I say take Boston College to cover the spread as they stand an excellent chance of winning this game outright.
NCAAB Free Picks: Boston College +5½ Points/Under 142½ Total Points
09:20 PM EST NCAAB Betting Odds
Boston College +5½ -110
Maryland -5½ -110
Over 142½ -110
Under 142½ -110
Atlantic Coast Conference - Opening Round @ Bobcat Arena, Charlotte, NC
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