NCAA Men’s Basketball: Villanova Wildcats vs Boston College Eagles- Possible Lineups and Predictions

The NCAA Men’s Basketball season is about to come back. While it is a few months later than what we are all used to, the excitement for a new season is just as high as it always has been. The NCAA have taken incredible precautions to make sure they can function during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

One of these precautions was organizing ‘Bubbleville‘, a bubble for NCAA teams to play for 11 days without leaving the Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. This is to limit the positive tests that may happen during game-days and keeps everyone safe. The Florida Gators had to opt-out of Bubbleville after their entire facility had to shut because of a COVID breakout.

One of the marquee matchups of the opening week will see tournament favorites Villanova Wildcats take on the Boston College Eagles.

NCAA Men’s Basketball: Who wins?

Villanova Wildcats were rolling last season but saw a bitter end to the season with COVID. However, they have the main core of that team back for the season. Nonetheless, coach Jay Wright doesn’t feel completely prepared due to the COVID uncertainties.

“You’re just holding your breath trying to get to the first game. The opener can’t get here fast enough. We’re not prepared for it like I’d like us to be. But if I had a choice, I’d rather get there and start it. You’re just so worried about somebody testing positive. It’s in the back of your mind all the time.”

Villanova will play Colin Gillespie and Justin Moore in their backcourt. The three spot will be filled by Jermaine Samuels, while Cole Swider and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl will shape out the rest of the frontcourt.

Boston College doesn’t have the same lineage that Villanova is coming from. They are unranked and haven’t made a tournament appearance since 2009. With their current head coach Jim Christian, the Eagles were 7-13 last season. They will have a backcourt of Makai Ashton-Langford and Wynston Tabbs. Jay Heath, Steffon Michael, and James Karnick will shape out the rest of the squad.

The Wildcats should roll to an easy win. The Eagles have been out of sorts for years and don’t have any special recruits. The Wildcats maintaining their championship-contending core from last season will be too much to overcome for the Eagles.