Men’s Basketball Preview: Boston College vs North Carolina

What

The Eagles kept it close for a little while but in the end Louisville was too much for the Eagles. The Cardinals stopped making mistakes and started making shots, two things BC needed to have a chance. Thankfully BC’s next game isn’t against Duke (that’s the next game) but against a UNC team that is not quite the Tar Heels we’re used to seeing. However, it is still a road game and will still be a tough match-up.

When

February 1st, 2020

6:00 pm EST

Where

Dean E. Smith Center

Chapel Hill, NC

How to Watch

ACCN - ACC Network

How to Listen

WEEI 850 AM

Tar Heels Previewed

It is hard to believe but not only are the Tar Heels 10-10 but they are 3-6 in ACC play. In fact BC is still ahead of UNC in the conference standings. Part of that losing record must be attributed to the Tar Heels out-of-conference schedule that has included Michigan, Gonzaga, Orgeon (which they won) and Ohio State. That is on top of the same tough ACC teams they have to play twice. Injuries have also played a role. Tar Heels have been without their star point guard Cole Anthony since December 16th, who remains the team’s leading scorer, and they’ve had to battle other injuries over the course of the season. However, UNC has won two in a row and with BC still having to travel to the Dean E. Smith Center, this is not going to be an easy win.

Players to Watch

Garrison Brooks. In Cole Anthony’s absence it has been Brooks who has tried to pick up the slack with 15.6 points per game (2nd best on the team), a team best 9.3 rebounds per game, and shooting 54.2% from the field. Brooks is also coming off a 25 point performance against NC State in the Tar Heels previous contest.

BC’s Best Chance to Win

Points off turnovers. Against Louisville it seemed turnovers gave the Eagles’ offense a spark. The Tar Heels are not the most explosive offensive team in the ACC but BC will still need to find a way to gain an edge. The turnovers will also give BC momentum, another thing this offense could use more of. UNC is averaging 13.1 turnovers per game and 13.8 points off those turnovers a good sign for BC.

Score Predictions

BC - 72 / UNC - 71