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Basketball season is coming, ladies and gentlemen. With the release of the ACC schedule Monday afternoon, the lead-up to the first game of the season (Nov. 11 against Nicholls State) finally can commence. Here are five ACC games you won’t want to miss (and an out-of-conference game to watch as well).
Sun., Jan. 1., 2017 (12:30 PM, ESPNU): vs. Syracuse
The first ACC game of the season for the Boston College Eagles will be an opportunity to obtain some #orangeagle points. The Eagles will be able to go through the out-of-conference schedule without much challenge (save for one or two games here or there), so the New Year’s Day matchup on national television will be the new-look Eagles’ first big test of the season.
Sat., Jan. 21 (12 PM, ACC Network): vs. North Carolina-Chapel Hill
The defending national runners-up (nothing to see here…) come to town for an early game on Saturday in Chestnut Hill. Remember that last year, even amidst a historically bad season, the Eagles gave the Tar Heels a run for their money last season, leading until the 3:28 mark in the second half. The ‘Heels will be without Marcus Paige of OH MY GOD HOW DID HE MAKE THAT SHOT fame, but the Tar Heels will still be a very formidable foe.
Tue., Jan. 31 (7:30 PM, ESPNU): vs. Wake Forest
With the Demon Deacons struggling last season, this might be a game to look at as a possible date to end BC’s ACC schneid if it hasn’t been ended by this date already. Of course, we’ve sung this song before, and it, of course, went totally according to plan.
Wed., Feb. 8 (7 PM, NESN/RSN): vs. Pittsburgh
It’s a bummer that BC isn’t playing Pittsburgh at the Petersen Events Center this year, as I wouldn’t need much convincing to parlay a road game in Oakland (the Pittsburgh neighborhood) into a trip to one of America’s most underrated cities. But, alas, I digress. In a game outside the hostilities of one of the ACC’s best student sections, the Oakland Zoo, BC might be able to fare better than last year’s 84-61 loss.
Sat., March 4 (TBA, TBA): @ Clemson
BC will, like the 2015-16 season, conclude the regular season at Clemson. If the Eagles’ luck doesn’t get better from last season, this could potentially hold the same weight as the matchup last year.
Bonus Out-of-Conference Matchup!
Fri., Dec. 23 (4 PM, ESPNU): vs. Providence College
This matchup is always a good one between two former in-conference foes. BC could provide a nice Christmas present by pulling off an upset win.