Game Preview The Citadel Bulldogs @ Boston College Eagles
The Boston College Eagles will host the Citadel Bulldogs on Thursday night at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, looking to bounce back from an overtime loss to Florida Atlantic.
Boston College (0-1) enters the game favored by 17.5 points after an 83-78 defeat that saw the Eagles blow a late lead and miss 12 free throws. Guard Donald Hand Jr. paced the team with 20 points, while reserve Boden Kapke added 17 on 3-for-5 shooting from deep.
Meanwhile, The Citadel (1-0) opened its season with a 105-61 rout of Erskine, knocking down a stunning 21 three-pointers. Ten different players hit at least one triple as the Bulldogs’ offense exploded under head coach Ed Conroy.
This matchup pits Boston College’s athleticism and rebounding against The Citadel’s perimeter barrage—a clash that should test the Eagles’ defensive rotations early.
Odds and Key Information
| Market | Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Boston College -17.5 (-111) |
| Moneyline | Boston College -3762 / The Citadel +1166 |
| Total | 143.5 Points |
| Venue | Silvio Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, MA |
| Time | Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025 – 7:00 PM ET |
| TV | ACC Network |
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The Citadel Outlook
The Citadel’s game plan revolves around ball movement and long-range efficiency. Against Erskine, the Bulldogs fired 59 shots from deep—an eye-popping number for any team—and connected on 35.6%. Sola Adebisi (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals) and Keynan Davis (11 points) showcased the team’s balanced scoring.
Conroy’s group ranks near the top nationally in both three-point attempts and effective field goal percentage (58.2%), giving them the firepower to keep games close even against major-conference opponents.
However, the Bulldogs’ defensive lapses could be costly. They allowed 38 second-half points in their opener despite holding a large lead. Against Boston College’s frontcourt, limiting second-chance opportunities will be crucial.
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Boston College Outlook
Boston College looks to regroup after its opener, where rebounding (52-38 edge) and defense weren’t enough to close the deal. Head coach Earl Grant praised the team’s effort but emphasized cutting turnovers (14) and hitting free throws.
Hand Jr. and Kapke provide scoring depth, while forward Chase Forte (14 points) adds versatility on both ends. The Eagles’ rebounding remains their biggest weapon—they rank in the top 40 nationally in total rebounds per game (52.0).
At home, BC should look to slow the pace, use their size advantage, and defend the arc—FAU burned them with 12 threes in the opener.
For analytical insight into how pace impacts totals, see alternate total points.
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Three-Point Shooting | The Citadel (21 made 3s in opener) |
| Rebounding | Boston College (+14 rebound margin vs FAU) |
| Free Throw Accuracy | The Citadel (85.7%) |
| Experience Level | Boston College (Power 6 depth, veteran rotation) |
Betting Trends
- The Citadel is 4-1 ATS in its last five games as an underdog.
- Boston College is 8-3 straight up in its last 11 home games.
- The Over has hit in six of Boston College’s last nine games.
- The Citadel has scored 90+ points in four of its last six outings.
Find more matchup-specific trends on the college basketball picks page.
Prediction
This game sets up as a potential early-season shootout. The Citadel’s three-point volume should prevent a total blowout, even if Boston College controls the glass. Expect the Eagles’ athleticism to prevail, but the Bulldogs’ perimeter attack may help them stay within the number.
Projected Score: Boston College 85, The Citadel 80
Spread Pick: The Citadel +17.5
Total Pick: Over 143.5
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