Boston College Eagles vs Duke Blue Devils Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

Duke Looks to Extend Dominance Against Boston College

No. 3 Duke, riding an 11-game winning streak, heads to Chestnut Hill, Mass., on Saturday to face a struggling Boston College squad. The Blue Devils, now 7-0 in ACC play, aim to maintain their focus and intensity while pursuing their 12th consecutive victory.

Duke: Focused and Balanced

Duke (15-2, 7-0 ACC) is firing on all cylinders, with its latest victory being a dominant 89-54 win over Miami. The team’s impressive form has been fueled by a commitment to sustained aggression and team-oriented play.

Head coach Jon Scheyer emphasized the importance of earning success every game: “You have to earn a big lead… We talk about having a killer instinct, having our foot on the gas.”

Freshman standout Cooper Flagg continues to lead the Blue Devils, averaging 18.7 points per game and 4.3 assists in ACC matchups. Complementing Flagg is fellow freshman Kon Knueppel, who has emerged as a reliable scorer. Knueppel recorded season highs of 25 points and six 3-pointers against Miami, continuing a streak of six games with multiple triples.

The team’s unselfish play has been key to their success, as evidenced by the season-high 25 assists against Miami. Scheyer highlighted the importance of making the right basketball play, noting, “I think our guys have fallen in love with [sharing the ball], and we continue to do it.”

Boston College: Searching for Consistency

Boston College (9-8, 1-5 ACC) has struggled to find its footing in conference play, dropping three consecutive games, including a 78-60 loss at Notre Dame. The Eagles are looking to regroup and capitalize on their strengths, particularly their rebounding, which took a hit against Notre Dame’s offensive boards.

Head coach Earl Grant called for a more physical approach: “We needed to get closer to the basket and be real physical.” Donald Hand Jr. provided a bright spot with a career-best five 3-pointers and 17 points, but Boston College needs more balanced production to challenge Duke.

The Eagles will need to dominate the glass and limit Duke’s perimeter shooting to have a chance at pulling off an upset.

Key Matchups

1. Cooper Flagg vs. Boston College Defense: Flagg’s scoring and playmaking make him a constant threat. The Eagles must find a way to limit his impact in both areas.
2. Kon Knueppel’s Perimeter Shooting: Knueppel’s hot hand from beyond the arc could be decisive, especially if Boston College struggles to close out on shooters.
3. Rebounding Battle: Boston College must improve on the boards after being out-rebounded by Notre Dame. Duke’s ability to capitalize on second-chance opportunities could tip the scales.

Adjustments for Duke

The Blue Devils are navigating their first games without injured post player Maliq Brown. Freshman Patrick Ngongba II has stepped into a larger role and will need to contribute more consistently as he continues to recover from an early-season foot injury.

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Stakes and Outlook

Duke is determined to maintain its dominant form, while Boston College seeks to end its losing streak and earn a signature win at home. The Eagles face a tough challenge, needing to neutralize Duke’s balanced scoring and relentless defense.

With their depth, teamwork, and momentum, the Blue Devils are strong favorites to secure their 12th straight victory. However, Boston College’s physicality and resilience could make this an intriguing ACC matchup. Will Duke continue its dominance, or can Boston College deliver a surprising upset? Fans can expect an intense battle in Chestnut Hill.