Boston College at Virginia Tech Prediction
By Tim Thomas
Dec 31, 2013; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies head coach James Johnson talks with forward Joey Van Zegeren (2) during the second half against the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
The Virginia Tech Hokies will play their second of three straight home games today and look to bounce back from the 20-point loss to Syracuse as the Boston College Eagles come in looking for a win, especially with their 4-11 record after a tough nonconference schedule gave them tons of issues. The Hokies have a chance to go above .500 this year which would then see them most likely go to a postseason tournament whether it be the CBI or the NIT. However, this is a game that the Hokies can not afford to lose if they are actually going to reach that goal especially with the struggles of Boston College this year.
One place the Hokies should dominate is on the glass as the Hokies are averaging 40.2 rebounds per game which is 25th in all of college basketball while Boston College is only averaging 31.1 rebounds per game which is 332nd in all of college basketball. The Hokies haven’t had one specific dominant rebounder but this team has done it together and expect the Hokies to dominate the boards. Joey Van Zegeren has been getting more and more opportunities, and after a rough game against Syracuse, expect the big man to have a big game today.
The Eagles only have had two main scoring threats in Olivier Hanlan and Ryan Anderson which will give James Johnson the ability to build a defensive scheme meant to slow them down. Ryan Anderson is a solid big man but expect Joey Van Zergern and Trevor Thompson to have plenty of blocks today on Anderson. The Hokies will have to be careful about fouls especially since Boston College is shooting just over 77% from the free throw line which is quite impressive. Ben Emelogu has had some foul trouble issues at times this season but he has shown improvement and will do a good job at somewhat limiting Olivier Hanlan.
This game will be a good chance for the Hokies to prove themselves after a tough loss to Syracuse and Joey Van Zegeren will be the guy to help lead the Hokies in the post while Ben Emelogu will make some big shots and have a very good game. Jarell Eddie will have a solid game but he will draw a lot of attention from Boston College which will open up space for Emelogu and Adam Smith on the outside or Joey Van Zegeren and C.J. Barksdale in the post. Virginia Tech will also dominate the glass and players like Van Zegeren and Barksdale will get plenty of second-chance points off offensive rebounds. The Hokies could use a big win today and they will get it against a Boston College team that has had some struggles.
Prediction: Virginia Tech 76, Boston College 67
Who do you think will win VT fans?