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St. Bonaventure vs. Virginia Tech Prediction and Odds: Watch for Kyle Lofton's Status

By Reed Wallach

Nov 18, 2021; Charleston, South Carolina, USA; St. Bonaventure Bonnies guard Kyle Lofton (0) shoots
Nov 18, 2021; Charleston, South Carolina, USA; St. Bonaventure Bonnies guard Kyle Lofton (0) shoots / David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
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St. Bonaventure and Virginia Tech meet on a neutral floor at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

These are the two highest rated teams at the Hall of Fame Shootout, per KenPom, so how should we bet this matchup? We have to assess who will be available for the Bonnies and the recent skid for Virginia Tech, but first let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

St. Bonaventure vs. Virginia Tech Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • St Bonaventure: +2.5 (-110)
  • Virginia Tech: -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • St Bonaventure: +120
  • Virginia Tech: -140

Total: 128.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

St. Bonaventure vs. Virginia Tech Prediction and Pick

These are a pair of methodical offenses, but there are a ton of concerning signs around Virginia Tech this season, who have struggled against athletic defenses, which is what you are going to see with the Bonnie's extended zone.

Va. Tech is 1-4 against KenPom top 100 teams this season while the Mark Schmidt's club is 4-1. Hokies point guard Storm Murphy has struggled after transferring from Wofford as the step up in competition may be too steep for him, unable to beat guys off the dribble in more high profile games.

Meanwhile, St. Bonaventure is eagerly awaiting the return of star guard Kyle Lofton from a sprained ankle. I'm bullish that he will be back Friday after he nearly played last weekend against Connecticut (a competitive loss to a strong opponent). Lofton practiced this week and is a the straw that stirs the drink for the Bonnies offense.

If Lofton is back, I like St. Bonaventure to win this one outright with their elite ball protection, top 20 in turnover rate and strong zone defense. Not to mention, Virginia Tech is due for some regression defending the perimeter, limiting opponents to just 25% shooting from deep.

The Bonnies are a veteran club with Osun Ossuniyi down low and Dominick Welch flanking Lofton (hopefully). Give me the better team on a neutral floor.

PICK: St. Bonaventure +2.5, if Lofton is ruled in play to -1

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