UNC Aims to Snap Losing Streak Against Struggling Boston College

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The University of North Carolina Tar Heels (12-8, 5-3 ACC) will host the Boston College Eagles (9-10, 1-7 ACC) on Saturday at 2:15 p.m. ET at the Dean E. Smith Center. The game, broadcast on The CW Network, comes as UNC seeks to rebound from consecutive one-point losses, while Boston College looks to end a five-game losing streak.

UNC, led by standout guard RJ Davis, who averages 17.5 points per game, is favored by 19.5 points. Davis is coming off a 21-point performance in a narrow 67-66 loss to Wake Forest. Meanwhile, Boston College’s Donald Hand Jr., averaging 14.2 points and 6.6 rebounds, will look to spark his team against a Tar Heels squad that has dominated the series, winning 23 of the last 29 matchups.

The Tar Heels have struggled recently, dropping back-to-back games by a single point for the first time since 1968. Despite this, they remain a formidable force at home, boasting a 7-2 record in Chapel Hill this season. Boston College, on the other hand, has yet to win a road game this year.

UNC’s Elliot Cadeau is coming off a career-high 13 assists against Wake Forest, showcasing the team’s depth and playmaking ability. The Tar Heels are second in the ACC in scoring, averaging 81.5 points per game, but have struggled to maintain consistency in conference play.

Boston College, which lost 74-56 to Virginia in its last outing, has been outmatched in ACC competition, winning just one of its eight conference games. The Eagles will need a standout performance from Hand Jr. and improved defensive effort to challenge UNC.

Historically, UNC has dominated this matchup, winning five straight and 17 of the last 18 meetings. The Tar Heels defeated Boston College 76-66 in their only meeting last season, with Davis leading the way with 16 points.

Saturday’s game is crucial for UNC as it prepares for a challenging four-game stretch that could determine its NCAA Tournament fate. A win against Boston College would provide much-needed momentum heading into matchups against top-tier ACC opponents.

The game will be broadcast on The CW Network, with Dave O'Brien, Thom Brennaman, and Mike Gminski on the call. Streaming options include the Tar Heel Sports Network, where Jones Angell, Tyler Zeller, Adam Lucas, and Dave Nathan will provide radio coverage.