Villanova vs. Boston College Predictions, Odds

• November 25, 2020
• By David Schwab
• VegasInsider.com

The Big East’s Villanova Wildcats will square-off against the ACC’s Boston College Eagles this Wednesday in a 9:30 p.m. ET tip at Mohegan Sun Arena.

BETTING RESOURCES

• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena
• Location: Uncasville, Connecticut
• Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2020
• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN
• Bet: BetMGM | BetRivers | FanDuel | PointsBet | All

Villanova-Boston College Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: Villanova -14
• Money-Line: Villanova -2000 Boston Cellege +900
• Total: 141.5
• Implied Probability: Villanova 95.24%

Odds Subject to Change

The Wildcats opened as 13 ½-point favorites for this neutral-site clash. There has been some upward movement to 14 points in early betting with the general betting consensus leaning heavily toward Villanova covering against the spread.

The total line for this game opened at 141 ½ points and it has held steady since being released. Bettors appear to be evenly split on the OVER/UNDER heading into Wednesday’s anticipated tip.

The money line odds for this Big East/ACC matchup is heavy with Villanova listed as a -2000 price at a few operators, meaning a $100 return would net back $5.

Villanova finished last season with a 14-15-2 record ATS. The Wildcats went 10-13-1 ATS closing as favorites and they were 1-2-1 ATS in neutral-site games.

Boston College was 14-18 ATS with a straight-up record of 13-19. The Eagles failed to cover in 14 of 24 games closing as underdogs.

Betting Analysis – Villanova Wildcats

2019-2020 Results - Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 24-7
• ATS: 14-15-2
• SU - Home: 13-3
• SU - Away: 11-4
• O/U: 12-19

Betting Analysis – Boston College Eagles

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 13-19
• ATS: 14-18
• SU - Home: 9-10
• SU - Away: 4-9
• O/U: 14-17-1

Inside the Stats – Villanova Wildcats

2019-20 stats

• PS/G: 73.2 (116th)
• PA/G: 66.4 (91st)
• Off Rtg: 107.8 (54th)
• Def Rtg: 97.8 (134th)
• SRS: 16.84 (18th)
• SOS: 10.03 (19th)

As one of the top college basketball teams in the nation, Villanova starts the season with the second-best odds to win the 2021 NCAA Tournament behind the Gonzaga Bulldogs. It ranks third in both major national polls.

The main strength of the Wildcats is their returning lineup. Saddiq Bey left some big shoes to fill. However, the other four starters are in place led by Collin Gillespie as the leading scoring with 15.1 points per game.

The only real weakness could be rust. The late start to the season contributed to the long layoff, so there is always the risk of a slow start.

Inside the Stats – Boston College Eagles

2019-20 stats

• PS/G: 64.6 (322nd)
• PA/G: 70.6 (211th)
• Off Rtg: 92.4 (336th)
• Def Rtg: 101.1 (218th)
• SRS: 1.82 (142nd)
• SOS: 7.86 (51st)

Boston College is on the wrong side of this long-established rivalry with a 24-52 record SU in 76 previous meetings. The last time the Eagles faced Villanova was in the Sweet 16 of the 2006 NCAA Tournament. They lost in overtime 60-59.

As far as this year’s team, Jim Christian may already be on the hot seat entering his seventh season as head coach. An overall record of 75-119 has dialed up the pressure for this campaign.

Losing three starters from last year’s team does not help the situation. BC will turn to sophomore guard Wynston Tabbs as their top scorer from a year ago with 13.9 PPG. Another sophomore guard to watch is Jay Heath, who averaged 13.1 PPG last year.

Key Players to Watch

2019-20 stats

• BC - Jay Heath (13.1 ppg)
• BC - Steffon Mitchell (7.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg)
• NOVA - Collin Gillespie (15.1 ppg, 4.5 apg)
• NOVA - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (10.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg)

Villanova-Boston College Predictions

Betting any team sight unseen right out of the gate comes with risks no matter which side you choose. However, in this matchup my lean would be towards Villanova winning by more than the current 14-point spread.

The expectation level for the Wildcats is about as high as it can go. There is little doubt that long-time head coach Jay Wright will have his team ready to go in the friendly confines of the Mohegan Sun Bubbleville.

I would also go with the OVER on the 141 ½-point total line.

Villanova will look to run its offense at its highest speed in the season opener. BC should be able to score enough points to help eclipse the betting total.

• Score Prediction: Villanova 88 Boston College 60
• Best Bet: Villanova -14
• Best Bet: Over 141.5