:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/58151305/usa_today_10468548.0.jpg)
GAME DAY FACTS
WHO
Boston College Eagles (10-3, 1-0 ACC)
VS
Virginia Cavaliers (11-1, 0-0 ACC)
WHAT
With their non conference schedule on hold until January, the Eagles are set to end 2017 with their second ACC game of the season. They travel to Virginia where they will take on the ninth ranked Cavaliers, who are beginning their own conference schedule. UVA looks to have another strong, defensive minded team under head coach Tony Bennett, having allowed just over 52 points a game, good for best in the nation by a full six points. On offense, Kyle Guy and Devon Hall lead the way as the only two Cavaliers averaging in the double digits. This looks to be another tough task early in conference play for Boston College, who have struggled mightily in recent yearswhen facing Virginia.
WHERE
John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA
WHEN
Saturday, December, 30
Tipoff at 2 PM
HOW TO WATCH
ACC Network on your television
HOW TO LISTEN
Listen with Jon Meterparel and Danya Abrams on BC IMG Sports Network (WEEI 850 AM in the Boston area).
HOW TO FOLLOW ALONG ON TWITTER
Follow @bcinterruption for game coverage, and check out the BC men’s basketball account @BCMBB.
Follow our men’s basketball writers at @choppintoppin, @mattoneil55, @yourfriendktb, and @EJHoffses
BC’s BEST CHANCE TO WIN
BC is going to have a very tough time against UVA if they can’t protect the basketball. The Cavaliers play a suffocating defense that is hard enough to score on without giving away possessions. The Eagles are averaging just over 13 turnovers a game, and against a team like UVA, it will be difficult to keep those numbers down.
Focusing more on offense, BC needs the usual suspects to show up in force. Ky Bowman, Jerome Robinson, and Jordan Chatman will be facing the number one scoring defense in the nation and points could be at a premium. A strong performance from behind the line could pay dividends for the Eagles, and those three are the ones who could get it done.
Finally, BC has the chance to do some work on the offensive and defensive boards. UVA is tied for 249th in rebounding while BC is ranked 19th. Limiting the Cavaliers’ second chance points while creating some extra possessions of their own will go a long way for the Eagles.