The Columbia Lions (1-9) will try to put an end to their eight-game losing streak when they go head-to-head with the Boston College Eagles (7-3) at Silvio O. Conte Forum. The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.
Boston College is an 11.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 150 points.
Columbia Lions at Boston College Eagles Betting Prediction
The last time the Lions played, they were defeated by the Navy Midshipmen, 73-68. Navy’s 36.7 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Columbia, who had a rate of 21.9. The Midshipmen’s mark was above their season average of 33.5. Mike Smith was the game’s leading scorer with 28 points on 11-for-15 shooting.
The Eagles beat the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils in their last outing, 89-84. Boston College launched 26 three pointers, making 15 of them (57.7 percent). Duke, meanwhile, was 8-30 (26.7 percent). Ky Bowman was the game’s high scorer with 30 points on 12-for-24 shooting.
The offensive glass should be a major edge for Boston College in this matchup. The Eagles rank 32nd in offensive rebounding percentage (36.2 percent), while Columbia ranks 262nd in defensive rebounding percentage (69.1 percent). Additionally, the Lions, who rank 344th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.157), will face off against the Eagles, who rank 44th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.189).
Columbia comes into the contest with records of 1-9 straight up (SU) and 2-2 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when predicting totals of Lions games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Boston College has an excellent 7-3 SU record, but they have a hard time covering the spread (2-3 ATS). Vegas is known to set the total high when the Eagles are involved, as 60.0 percent of their games have ended under the total.
Bowman and Jerome Robinson have been playing well over the last five games for Boston College. Bowman has averaged 17.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Robinson has put up 20.6 points a game during that span.
Columbia Lions vs. Boston College Eagles Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Boston College, ATS Winner – Columbia, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston College averages 41.3 rebounds per game, which ranks 18th in the nation. Columbia ranks 247th in rebounds allowed per game (39.2).
The Lions rank 22nd in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while the Eagles rank 224th in three pointers allowed per game (25.1).
Boston College ranks 13th in steals allowed per game (4.5) while Columbia ranks 157th (6.9).
The Eagles allow the 24th-fewest blocks per game (2.5) while the Lions rank 54th (2.9).
Boston College ranks 145th in assists per game (13.6) while Columbia ranks 162nd in assists allowed per game (14.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Lions’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 6.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Eagles have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (7.5 above their season average).
