Boston College Eagles vs Smu Mustangs Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

SMU Seeks Sixth Straight Win in ACC Showdown at Boston College

SMU will aim to continue its hot start and extend its winning streak to six games when the Mustangs travel to Chestnut Hill, Mass., to take on Boston College in an ACC clash on Saturday.

Homecoming for Matt Cross

The matchup will be a special one for SMU senior forward Matt Cross, who hails from nearby Beverly, Mass. Cross has made stops at Miami, Louisville, and UMass before joining the Mustangs this season. Despite battling a back injury, Cross has become a key contributor for SMU. He delivered a standout performance in the Mustangs’ 74-64 win over LSU last Saturday, recording 16 points and 16 rebounds.

“He’s playing great basketball,” SMU coach Andy Enfield said. “Your good players have to play well in the big games. That’s how you win at a high level. He certainly did that (against LSU). Very proud of him. He has a tremendous attitude. He’s a tough, tough young man.”

Cross is averaging 8.9 points and a team-leading 8.6 rebounds per game this season, providing steady production for the Mustangs (9-2, 1-0 ACC).

Ready for NCAAB Action? See today’s NCAAB basketball picks today and bet smart.

Balanced Scoring Fuels SMU’s Success

SMU’s best start since opening 12-2 in the 2020-21 season has been powered by a balanced offensive attack. The Mustangs boast five players averaging at least 10 points per game, led by Boopie Miller’s 14.4 points. Chuck Harris (12.1), Samet Yigitoglu (11.7), Kario Oquendo (10.9), and BJ Edwards (10.1) round out SMU’s scoring threats.

The Mustangs are 6-1 at home and 3-0 on neutral courts, but Saturday’s game will test their road mettle. SMU’s only true road game this season was a loss at Butler.

Start making smarter choices today with this insider’s guide to betting.

Boston College Banking on Youth

Boston College (7-4, 0-1 ACC) enters the matchup looking to rebound after a mixed start to its campaign. The Eagles are 4-2 at home and are relying heavily on a young roster that includes five freshmen. Donald Hand Jr. has emerged as the team leader, averaging 13.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

“We’re excited as we approach the brink of our ACC season,” Eagles coach Earl Grant said. “We’re doing great things and we’re doing it with five freshmen. Everything is new for us.”

Chad Venning (11.5 points per game) and Elijah Strong (11.2) are also key contributors for Boston College, providing a steady presence on offense.

Key Matchup

The game could hinge on SMU’s ability to control the paint and exploit their depth of scoring options. Boston College will look to counter with Hand’s leadership and the energy of their young roster. Both teams have shown strengths on the boards, making rebounding a pivotal battle.

For Cross, this game offers a chance to shine in front of a hometown crowd, while SMU seeks to continue its momentum into the heart of ACC play. Boston College, on the other hand, will look to defend its home court and gain confidence ahead of a challenging conference schedule.