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Protecting the Ball Key for Virginia Tech, Boston College
Struggling Boston College will look to snap a four-game losing streak when it hosts Virginia Tech in an ACC showdown on Tuesday night in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
The Eagles (10-15, 2-12 ACC) have dropped 10 of their last 11 games, sinking to the bottom tier of the conference standings. However, their 7-7 home record suggests they could have a shot at bouncing back.
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech (11-14, 6-8 ACC) is aiming to recover from a narrow 73-70 loss to in-state rival Virginia and strengthen its standing in the middle of the ACC pack.
Turnovers Could Be the Deciding Factor
Both teams have struggled with ball control this season, ranking among the ACC’s worst in turnovers per game:
- Virginia Tech: 12.9 turnovers per game (1st in ACC)
- Boston College: 12.3 turnovers per game (4th in ACC)
Boston College’s turnover woes were on full display in its 70-62 loss to NC State on Saturday. The Eagles turned the ball over 14 times in the first half, including five giveaways in the first four minutes, allowing NC State to grab an early 10-2 lead.
“That was our No. 1 key coming in — we had to take care of the basketball,” said BC coach Earl Grant. “We didn’t do that early. Look at the final score—it’s a three-possession game despite how bad we started.”
While BC played a strong second half, committing just two turnovers and allowing only 26 points, it wasn’t enough to erase the deficit.
Virginia Tech coach Mike Young knows the Hokies will need to take advantage of Boston College’s mistakes while improving their own ball security.
“We had an opportunity to tuck tail and go away (vs. Virginia), but they’re not gonna do that,” Young said. “They’re gonna play really hard, connected and fight. We gotta play better basketball and go find a way to win (at BC).”
Virginia Tech Needs More Offensive Production
The Hokies are averaging just 70 points per game (16th in the ACC), struggling to find consistent scoring beyond Tobi Lawal:
- Tobi Lawal (F): 13.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG
- No other Virginia Tech player averages in double figures
Virginia Tech rallied in the second half against Virginia but ultimately fell short. Young will be looking for more scoring balance to get the Hokies back on track.
Boston College: Can Donald Hand Jr. Lead a Turnaround?
The Eagles have had major defensive struggles, allowing 77.1 points per game (16th in ACC). However, they do have a reliable scoring option in Donald Hand Jr., who ranks among the ACC’s top performers:
- Points Per Game: 16.5 (11th in ACC)
- Rebounds Per Game: 6.5 (16th in ACC)
If BC is going to snap its losing streak, Hand Jr. will need to deliver offensively, and the Eagles must limit turnovers early to avoid another slow start.
Break the Bracket, Win the Bets
Handicapping Membership
Key Matchup Breakdown
| Category | Virginia Tech | Boston College |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 11-14 (6-8 ACC) | 10-15 (2-12 ACC) |
| Points Per Game | 70.0 (16th in ACC) | 72.1 (14th in ACC) |
| Turnovers Per Game | 12.9 (1st in ACC) | 12.3 (4th in ACC) |
| Leading Scorer | Tobi Lawal (13.3 PPG) | Donald Hand Jr. (16.5 PPG) |
| Leading Rebounder | Tobi Lawal (6.9 RPG) | Donald Hand Jr. (6.5 RPG) |
Prediction & Outlook
If BC can limit turnovers early and get consistent scoring from Hand Jr., it has a solid chance to win at home. However, if the Hokies find secondary scoring beyond Lawal, their stronger defensive play could lead them to a road victory.
Expect a closely contested game, with the team that protects the ball better likely coming out on top.
Tip-Off: Tuesday, 7:00 PM ET
Location: Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, MA
