Boston College vs NC State Odds, Pick

The NCAA tournament is the biggest postseason tournament, but not the only postseason tournament — the NIT still exists.

The NC State Wolfpack and Boston College Eagles are vying for bids to the secondary tournament, and winning this matchup could determine whether one — or both — play postseason ball.

Playing any postseason hoops feels like a win for Boston College, who last played in the postseason in 2017-18 under Jim Christian. Even though making the NIT is a disappointment for most schools, it’s a building block moment for Earl Grant. The Eagles have endured some ups and downs this year, entering this game at 15-11 and 6-9 in ACC play.

Boston College is strong on the offensive end, ranking 54th in offensive efficiency. The Eagles rarely turn it over and shoot 36% from 3-point range.

Quinten Post is their offensive fulcrum. The super senior from the Netherlands is the least talked about stud big man in the ACC, averaging 16.3 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest. Post stretches the floor (shooting 44% from 3) and dominates other bigs in the post.

It’s not just a one-man show, however, as guards Mason Madsen and Claudell Harris Jr. provide perimeter shooting prowess. Harris and Madsen both benefit from the attention Post draws in the paint, shooting over 40% from 3.

Despite the offensive promise, it’s an entirely different story on defense. Out of 15 ACC teams, Boston College ranks 13th in defensive efficiency in conference play. The Eagles could use more defense against NC State’s surging offense.

NC State displayed heart and grit in a narrow loss to Syracuse last time out, chopping down a 19-point lead to eventually hold the advantage late in the contest. Syracuse just executed more plays down the stretch. In tough conference games, it can boil down to a play or two deciding the final outcome.

You’d be hard pressed to find a guard in the sport performing better than DJ Horne in the past two weeks. Horne has scored 24+ points in six consecutive games while shooting 27-of-53 from 3. Horne is a one-man wrecking crew right now and there’s no signs of slowing down. Opposing teams should just double him on every catch since he's the only NC State player who puts fear into opposing defenses. Make other players beat you — or make Horne take tougher shots.

The Wolfpack won’t beat themselves on the offensive end with turnovers, boasting the fourth-best turnover rate in the sport. NC State simply lacks shot-makers. Jayden Taylor and Casey Morsell will have occasional big games, but both post inefficient shooting numbers. It’s Horne or bust.

On the defensive side, NC State is solid, but has struggled recently. The Wolfpack rank 80th in defensive efficiency and force turnovers on 18% of defensive possessions. If NC State can turn Boston College over and push the tempo, it'll be a favorable situation for Kevin Keatts' squad. The Eagles won't fare well in a track-meet setting.

On March 11, North Carolina sports betting fans will be able to bet the NC State games at NC legal sportsbooks. Learn about the best North Carolina sports betting apps to place those bet.

I could see Post putting together an unstoppable scoring outing against the slow-footed DJ Burns Jr. Post will drag Burns out to the perimeter and make him defend in space, which Burns tends to struggle doing. Post is the biggest mismatch in this game and should lead the Eagles to a cover on the road.

Plus, NC State isn’t some home warriors. It has lost three of its past four home games outright.

Pick: Boston College +5