Rhode Island vs. Boston College Odds
| Rhode Island Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6.5 -110 | 130.5 -114o / -106u | +220 |
| Boston College Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6.5 -110 | 130.5 -114o / -106u | -275 |
Rhode Island makes the short trip up to Beacon Hill to match up against Boston College in a New England showdown.
It’s been a rough start in the first few weeks of Archie Miller's tenure with the Rams. The program is 2-4 with some horrific offensive performances. The defense has remained serviceable, and will match up against a familiar foe in Boston College.
The Eagles have had a bit more success to start this season as they have a 4-2 record. But they suffered a terrible 69-64 defeat to the 312th-ranked Maine Black Bears, who won just three Division I games last season.
Both programs have looked sloppy offensively and much more efficient defensively. Will that trend continue in this matchup?
Rhode Island Rams
The Rhode Island program is adjusting to a slew of new faces. From the head coach to a roster that looks much different from last season, the Rams have proven they need some time to adjust.
The program lost its dominant paint presences in Makhel and Makhi Mitchell. The 6-foot-10 twin forwards transferred to Arkansas in the offseason, and the Rams have struggled to replace that production on both ends of the floor.
The Rhode Island offense has been awful through the first two weeks of the season. The Rams are averaging 65 points per game and hitting 42% of their field goal attempts, the 337th-lowest rate in the country.
The Rams are shooting 26% on 3-point attempts (339th) and 44% on 2-point attempts (304th). They’ve turned the ball over on 24% of their offensive possessions, which also ranks outside the top 300.
There are a few positives offensively, such as their ability to get to the free throw line and snatch offensive rebounds.
Ishmael Leggett has displayed a big improvement in his game this offseason. Last season, Leggett averaged just eight points a night, but through six games this year, that number has jumped up to 20 points an evening.
The sophomore guard is hitting 38% from deep and getting to the free throw line an average of eight times per game.
Boston College Eagles
Boston College returns to New England with a third place-finish in the Paradise Jam.
The Eagles defeated George Mason in the opening round before suffering a 16-point loss to Tarleton State. The program ended the tournament on a high-note, defeating Wyoming, 59-48, in the third-place game.
Earl Grant’s second season at the helm has started out on a solid note (4-2 record). He finally has a full recruiting class of his own, and there's no denying the intensity that the group plays with.
The Boston College offense hasn’t been strong this season, though, as it's averaging just 66 points per game, the second-lowest point total among ACC programs.
The Eagles take only 26% of their shot attempts from beyond the arc, the 352nd-lowest rate in the country. The group is hitting just 32% from 3-point territory (227th) and 49% on 2-point attempts (191st).
The defense has carried the program through the first five games of the season. The Eagles are holding opponents to just 64 points per game. They’ve been strong at creating turnovers and limiting second-chance opportunities.
They should thrive in this matchup against a lackluster Rhode Island offense.
Rhode Island vs. Boston College Betting Pick
Boston College has been dealing with a slew of injuries — four players are questionable for this matchup. None are more important than leading scorer Makai Ashton-Langford, who is averaging 13 points per game.
The graduate student is the primary ball-handler who is the engine behind the Boston College offense. If he’s out in this matchup, it could be a long night offensively for the Eagles.
Even when Ashton-Langford has been in the lineup this season, the offense hasn’t looked great, ranking 164th in offensive efficiency. Rhode Island’s defense has been the strength of the team, and that should continue against Boston College.
But the Rams' offense has been extremely disappointing, ranking outside the top 300 in both 2-point and 3-point percentages.
The offense has been reliant on getting to the free throw line. But the Boston College defense has been strong at defending without fouling through its first six games.
Both programs play at a tempo that ranks outside the top-200 nationally. I expect a slow-paced game where buckets will be tough to come by.
Pick: Under 130.5 (Play to 129) |
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