Preview: Boston College vs #17 Virginia

Who: Boston College Eagles (9-11, 2-5 ACC) vs. #17 Virginia Cavaliers (17-3, 6-2 ACC)

Where: Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, MA

When: Saturday, January 31, 2026

Tip-Off Time: 1:30PM ET

How to Watch: The CW Network

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BC is defending their home court this afternoon against one of the ACC’s best teams. UVA has won 12 of their last 14 games and are ranked 17th in the latest AP poll, behind only Duke and UNC in the ACC. The Cavs are led by freshman phenom Thijs De Ridder, a 6’9” forward out of Belgium that scores over 17 points a game. De Ridder is also tenacious with his offensive rebounding and ability to get to the free throw line, so the Eagles will have their hand full in a number of ways trying to contain him.

Alongside De Ridder, Virginia has a well-oiled machine on both sides of the ball. Their offense is one of the most efficient in the nation with a rebounding rate that is top-10 in the entire country. They are not afraid to attack you in the paint or from beyond the arc, and they have a skilled roster to back it up. Their three primary guards, Malik Thomas, Chance Mallory, and Sam Lewis, are all effective from three-point land and can utilize their ball movement to great effect. Mallory, who comes off the bench, is also a defensive stalwart on the perimeter, averaging almost 2 steals per game. This team has a versatile attack that doesn’t let up when the starters come off the floor.

If there are any weaknesses to their game, it comes on the defensive side of the ball. UVA is not particularly great at getting steals and they tend to foul a lot, which can eat at them around the edges. BC may stand a chance if they can consistently get to the free throw line and actually make their foul shots, but that’s a big ask for an Eagles team that is 255th nationally in free throw percentage.

Prediction: Virginia 75 Boston College 59

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/preview-boston-college-vs-17-153730701.html

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Publish date : 2026-01-31 15:37:00

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