The No. 19 Clemson Tigers (22-8, 11-7 ACC) take on the Boston College Eagles (19-14, 9-11 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Barclays Center. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Boston College Eagles vs. Clemson Tigers ATS Prediction
In the Eagles’ last outing, they topped the North Carolina State Wolfpack, 91-87. The Eagles knocked down 16 of their 19 free throws (84.2 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 36.1 (above their season average of 29.5). Boston College received a boost from Ky Bowman, who contributed 24 points and six rebounds.
The Tigers lost a tough one against the Syracuse Orange in their last outing, 55-52. Syracuse’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Clemson. The Orange had a rate of 10.2 (better than their season average of 16.4), while the Tigers posted a mark of 18.7. Clemson’s Elijah Thomas had 18 points and six rebounds in the contest.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Clemson figures to have a noteworthy edge. The sharp-shooting Tigers offense ranks 97th in the nation in that metric at 0.530, while the Boston College defense is ranked 226th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.514).
Both teams have had a couple of players heat up over their last five games. For the Eagles it’s been Jerome Robinson (19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists) and Jordan Chatman (15.8 points), while Marcquise Reed (20.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.6 steals) and Thomas (11.4 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks) have been great for the Tigers.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Donte Grantham had 23 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in the first game, in which the Tigers defeated the Eagles 74-70. The Tigers knocked down 18 of their 20 free throws (90.0 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (23.5 vs. 20.0).
Boston College Eagles vs. Clemson Tigers Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Clemson, ATS Winner – Clemson, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Clemson ranks 122nd in three pointers allowed per game (21.0) while Boston College ranks 264th (24.5).
The Tigers rank 30th in assists allowed per game (11.1) while the Eagles rank 167th (13.7).
Clemson ranks 25th in blocks per game (5.0) while Boston College ranks 134th (3.2).
The Eagles rank 78th in rebounds per game (37.2) while the Tigers rank 83rd in rebounds allowed per game (33.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 63.6 points per game (9.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.2 points per game (2.1 below their season average).
—–
