North Carolina Tar Heels vs Boston College Eagles Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

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UNC Aims to Rebound vs. Boston College in Key ACC Matchup

The North Carolina Tar Heels (12-8, 5-3 ACC) are coming off a heartbreaking stretch of back-to-back one-point losses, a rare occurrence that hasn’t happened in nearly six decades. With their sights set on climbing back into the upper tier of the ACC standings, the Tar Heels host the Boston College Eagles (9-10, 1-7) on Saturday in Chapel Hill, N.C.


Tar Heels Look to Correct Costly Errors

North Carolina’s recent skid has exposed their need to eliminate “little mistakes,” as head coach Hubert Davis described it. The Heels’ offense has faltered, particularly from beyond the arc, where they connected on just 26 percent of their 3-point attempts (13-for-50) over the past two games.

Against Wake Forest, UNC shot only 40 percent from the field — tied for their second-worst mark this season — and the margin for error proved too slim to overcome.

“We need to execute better in critical moments,” Davis said. “This league doesn’t allow you to get away with missed opportunities.”

RJ Davis remains the offensive anchor for UNC, leading the team with 17.5 points per game. Meanwhile, freshman Ian Jackson, who had been on a tear with six 20-point games in seven outings, has struggled recently. Over the past two contests, Jackson has tallied just 13 points on 4-for-19 shooting. The Tar Heels will look to get him back on track against Boston College’s vulnerable defense, which ranks near the bottom of the ACC in opponent scoring (73.9 points per game) and field-goal percentage (45.8 percent).


Boston College Struggles to Find Momentum

The Eagles opened the season with a promising 6-1 start but have since faltered, losing nine of their last 12 games, including five straight. Their ACC campaign has been particularly rough, as they sit near the bottom of the standings at 1-7.

Donald Hand Jr. continues to lead Boston College, averaging 14.2 points and 6.6 rebounds. Head coach Earl Grant emphasized Hand’s importance to the team’s offensive identity.

“He’s our leader,” Grant said. “We rely on his experience and ability to make plays in key moments. He sets the tone for us.”

The Eagles have also benefited from the recent surge of Chad Venning, who is averaging 16 points per game over the last seven outings. However, Boston College’s lack of defensive consistency has made it difficult to close out games, and their road struggles (1-4 in away games) further complicate their hopes of pulling off an upset in Chapel Hill.


Key Matchups

UNC’s RJ Davis vs. Boston College Defense: Davis has been the Tar Heels’ most reliable scorer, and his ability to find open looks could exploit Boston College’s struggling defense.

Ian Jackson’s Bounce-Back Opportunity: Jackson’s shooting woes will be under the spotlight as UNC looks to reignite its offense. A strong performance could swing the game heavily in the Heels’ favor.

Battle on the Boards: UNC thrives on rebounding, led by Armando Bacot’s physical presence in the paint. Boston College will need Venning and Hand to step up on the glass to keep the game competitive.


Historical Advantage

North Carolina has dominated this matchup historically, winning 17 of the last 18 meetings, including the past five straight. The Tar Heels’ home-court advantage adds another layer of difficulty for the Eagles, who are winless in ACC road games this season.


Prediction

While Boston College has individual talent in Hand and Venning, their defensive struggles and inability to close out games make them a tough underdog in this contest. North Carolina’s ability to bounce back from adversity and their home-court advantage should propel them to a much-needed victory.

Final Score Prediction: North Carolina 80, Boston College 68

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Conclusion

North Carolina has a chance to use this game as a springboard for the second half of the ACC season. By limiting mistakes and executing on offense, the Tar Heels can regain their confidence and return to their winning ways. Meanwhile, Boston College must overcome its road woes and defensive lapses to have any chance of pulling off an upset in Chapel Hill.

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