Boston College Offers Trap Game for Virginia Tech in Chestnut Hill

Virginia Tech, led by its leading scorer, Malcolm Delaney, has been quite the pleasant surprise in the ACC this season.

At 21-5 overall and 8-4 in the ACC, the Hokies currently sit just outside the Top 25 and are focused on a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

With that being said, Virginia Tech fans know there is very good chance that just might be the case. As of right now, ESPN’s bracketologist, Joe Lunardi, has Virginia Tech as a No. 9 seed in the West Region.

However, in their most recent game on Sunday, VT had no answer for the trio of scorers that have led Duke all season. The Blue Devils got 25 points from Kyle Singler, in addition to 23 from Nolan Smith and 15 from Jon Scheyer.

The offensive production from Duke’s three leading scorers was enough to beat Virginia Tech. The team that could only muster up a total of 55 points in the loss, 17 below their season average per game.

For the Hokies, that loss is in the past. Their focus has be on Boston College.

In the first meeting of the season between the Eagles and the Hokies, VT stole a victory with a late put-back by Dorenzo Hudson after Boston College turned the ball over multiple times late in the game.

It has been that type of season for BC, Eagles fans would call it disappointing after losing only one player from an NCAA Tournament team a year ago.

However, on Wednesday night it will be the Hokies who hit the road as they head into Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill with an opportunity they cannot afford to squander.

In my opinion, it is a “trap game” for Virginia Tech.

Coming off a loss, the Hokies are in a position to control their own fate down the stretch.

Last season, Virginia Tech finished 1-6 in their final seven games and was left on the outside of the NCAA Tournament.

At the moment, VT has done everything they can to be in the NCAA Tournament, the last thing the Hokies want to do is trip up late down the stretch again. Following their game with the Eagles, VT returns home for a game with Maryland in what could potentially put second place up for grabs.

With teams fighting for the last few bubble spots in the tournament, Virginia Tech wants to do everything they can to remain in the tournament and off the bubble. Like I said, they control their own fate.

The Hokies do not boast the most impressive resume, with an RPI of 45 and a strength of schedule at 140—their most impressive wins are probably against Clemson and Wake Forest.

It is important for VT to keep themselves in the position they are in now, and it starts with Boston College.

For the Eagles, it certainly has not been the best of seasons. After a hard fought victory over struggling North Carolina, BC will be looking for a little momentum before the ACC Tournament.

Knowing their first match with Virginia Tech was game they should have won, Reggie Jackson and Co. will be searching for a revenge victory on Wednesday night.

There might be more implications than Hokie fans originally thought. Hence, why it is a trap game for Virginia Tech. Boston College would love to pick up a victory and hand VT their second loss in a row before the Hokies prepare for a tough match-up with Maryland on Saturday.

With only two weeks remaining before the ACC Tournament, Virginia Tech fans should know it is important for the Hokies to continue winning and solidifying an NCAA spot.

Boston College (13-13, 4-8) and Virginia Tech (21-5, 8-4) will tip at 7 p.m. from Conte Forum on Wednesday night, Feb. 24.

*Photo Credit: bostonherald.com/sports