Boston College Eagles vs Stonehill Skyhawks Picks and Predictions December 15th 2024

Boston College Looks to Snap Skid Against Stonehill

Boston College (6-4) steps out of ACC play to host Stonehill College (6-5) on Sunday in Chestnut Hill, Mass. After a challenging three-game losing streak, the Eagles aim to reset and regain their winning form against their in-state opponent.

Boston College: Looking for a Turnaround

The Eagles are coming off a narrow 72-66 loss to Wake Forest in their ACC opener on Dec. 7. Despite the loss, Boston College showed flashes of promise, particularly with its perimeter shooting, as the team connected on a season-high 12 3-pointers.

Elijah Strong stood out, scoring 18 points and hitting four triples. Head coach Earl Grant sees this as a potential catalyst for improving the team’s offensive consistency.

“We’ve got a really good shooting team,” Grant said. “We were doing what we practiced — guys were sharing the ball and being unselfish.”

The Eagles have been most successful when combining their outside shooting with contributions from versatile players like Donald Hand Jr., who leads the team with 13.6 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

However, BC’s recent struggles include home losses to Dartmouth and South Carolina. Coach Grant remains optimistic about finding solutions as the team builds toward conference play.

“It’s a journey. It’s a long season,” Grant said. “All you can do at this point is steer it and right it and try to get better.”

Stonehill: A Strong Nonconference Start

Stonehill, entering its third season in Division I, has already shown it can compete with major programs, having faced Notre Dame, Providence, and Marquette earlier this season. The Skyhawks are coming off a dominant 97-53 victory over Division III Lesley University, which followed an impressive road win against MAAC preseason favorite Quinnipiac.

Josh Morgan, a graduate transfer from Incarnate Word, has been a key figure for Stonehill, leading the team with 14.8 points per game and five 20-point outings this season. Todd Brogna, the team’s lone returning starter, adds 12.3 points and a team-high 6.2 rebounds per game.

Stonehill head coach Chris Kraus is pleased with his team’s progression and sees this matchup as another opportunity for growth.

“To have six wins … and the caliber of teams that we’ve played, it’s been a good start for our group,” Kraus said.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Elijah Strong vs. Todd Brogna: Strong’s hot shooting will need to continue as he battles Brogna, who provides inside-out versatility for Stonehill.
• Donald Hand Jr. vs. Josh Morgan: Hand’s all-around production will be crucial in countering Morgan, Stonehill’s leading scorer and primary offensive catalyst.

Game Outlook

Boston College will aim to take advantage of Stonehill’s occasional defensive lapses while leveraging its improved outside shooting. The Eagles need a strong performance to shake off their recent struggles and build confidence ahead of the conference-heavy portion of their schedule.

Stonehill, however, won’t back down, as it has already faced high-level competition this season. With Morgan and Brogna leading the way, the Skyhawks have the potential to keep the game competitive.

Check out the latest John Wooden Award Odds & Predictions for detailed analysis and updates.

Prediction

Boston College 75, Stonehill 62

While the Eagles have had trouble finishing games, their size, experience, and improved shooting should carry them to a much-needed win.