Virginia Tech is gearing up for an exciting matchup against the Boston College Eagles in Conte Forum at 9 PM on Tuesday night. The Hokies have been performing well on the road this season, winning their last three away games. However, they haven’t secured a win in Conte Forum since 2018, facing a tough opponent in the Eagles. Head coach Mike Young has struggled against Boston College, with a 1-5 record during his tenure in Blacksburg.
Boston College has been enduring a challenging season, with a record of 10-15 overall and 2-12 in the conference. Despite their recent struggles, they have shown resilience in close games with emerging scorers on their roster. The Eagles are led by standout sophomore Donald Hand Jr, who has been a scoring machine this season, averaging 16.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Hand has been particularly hot lately, averaging 23.8 points over the last six games.
Chad Venning, Elijah Strong, and Jayden Hastings provide additional support as forwards for Boston College. Venning, averaging 13.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game, brings a strong defensive presence to the team. Strong adds versatility with an inside-out game, while Hastings, a freshman, contributes solid rebounding and shot-blocking abilities.
Fred Payne, Roger McFarlane, Joshua Beadle, and Chas Kelley round out the core rotational players for Boston College. Payne has been a reliable perimeter threat, shooting 40.3% from beyond the arc. McFarlane excels as a wing player, while Beadle has struggled with turnovers recently. Kelley provides consistent three-point shooting but can be prone to turnovers.
Despite their offensive struggles, shooting 36% as a team from beyond the arc, Boston College’s defensive shot-blocking abilities offer some hope. Hand and Venning have stepped up to keep the team competitive, but they rely on additional support to alleviate pressure. The Eagles’ three-point shooting proficiency poses a challenge for opponents, including the Hokies.
Virginia Tech features key player Tobi Lawal, who has excelled in conference play as a versatile offensive threat. Lawal’s athleticism and offensive skills create mismatches against most opponents. Mylyjael Poteat complements Lawal’s game and faces a tough matchup against Venning. The Hokies also rely on point guard Ben Hammond and freshman Tyler Johnson for their offensive contributions.
Jaden Schutt and Jaydon Young bolster Virginia Tech’s offensive firepower, with Schutt emerging as a potent scorer. Schutt’s shooting prowess adds depth to the team’s offensive arsenal. Ben Burnham, Brandon Rechsteiner, and Patrick Wessler provide additional support, adding versatility and scoring options off the bench.
Virginia Tech’s balanced offensive and defensive approach, coupled with their rebounding advantage, gives them a competitive edge against Boston College. Limiting turnovers and capitalizing on scoring opportunities will be crucial for the Hokies to secure a victory on the road.
In conclusion, despite historical challenges against Boston College, Virginia Tech has the potential to end the skid and emerge victorious in this matchup. With key players stepping up and favorable matchups in their favor, the Hokies have a good chance of securing a win. The game promises to be a thrilling battle between two competitive teams, with both sides vying for a crucial conference victory.
Final Prediction: Virginia Tech 78, Boston College 71.