Virginia Tops Boston College in Close Contest
Saturday, January 31, 2026, 1:30 PM ET · Conte Forum
Virginia Cavaliers 73, Boston College Eagles 66, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Virginia Cavaliers vs Boston College Eagles?
Virginia Cavaliers beat Boston College Eagles 73-66 at Conte Forum on January 31, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Cavaliers vs Boston College Eagles?
Virginia Cavaliers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1050 (about 91% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers defeated the Boston College Eagles with a final score of 73-66. This game took place at Conte Forum on January 31, 2026, and showcased the contrasting fortunes of both teams this season. Virginia entered the game with a strong away record of 18-3, while Boston College struggled with a home record of 9-12.
Virginia has been in solid form, boasting a record of 8-2 in their last ten games, with an average of 82.1 points scored and 71.4 points allowed. They are currently on a one-game winning streak, having recently triumphed over Notre Dame with a score of 100-97. In contrast, Boston College has faced challenges, recording a 4-6 record in their last ten outings, averaging 66.4 points scored while allowing 69.7 points. They are on a one-game losing streak, having lost to Notre Dame 68-64 just a week prior to this matchup.
At home, the Eagles have a record of 4-2 in their last six games, but their overall performance has been marred by a 0-4 record in their last four away games. Virginia, on the other hand, has performed well both at home and away, with a 4-1 record in both scenarios over their last five games. This consistency has contributed to their current standing as a formidable opponent.
When looking at previous meetings, this game marked the second encounter between these two teams in the current season, with Virginia having won the first matchup decisively 74-56 on January 22, 2025. The Cavaliers have established a clear edge in head-to-head matchups, now holding a 2-0 record against Boston College this season.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details about player availability for either team, which could have impacted the game dynamics. However, the absence of key players can often shift the balance in such close contests.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Virginia favored by 13.5 points, with a moneyline of -1050 for the Cavaliers and +675 for the Eagles. The total points set for the game was 141.5, indicating expectations for a moderately high-scoring affair. The odds reflect the general confidence in Virginia's ability to secure a win against Boston College, given their superior record.
The game conditions were typical for a late January evening, likely featuring a competitive atmosphere as both teams sought to assert their dominance on the court. Fans were treated to a display of skill and strategy, with Virginia's offense effectively utilizing their scoring prowess to maintain control.
As the game unfolded, key moments included a driving layup by Chance Mallory that pushed Virginia's lead to 68-62, followed by crucial free throws from Donald Hand Jr. and Dallin Hall that extended their advantage. The Eagles fought back, with Fred Payne contributing a floating jump shot, but Virginia's late-game execution ultimately sealed their victory.
In summary, this matchup highlighted the ongoing struggles of Boston College against a well-performing Virginia team. The Cavaliers' ability to maintain their scoring average and defensive efforts proved decisive in securing the win, while the Eagles will need to regroup and address their inconsistencies as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UVA -13.5 | 141.5 o -110 / u -110 | Virginia Cavaliers -1050 · Boston College Eagles +675 |
Leaders
- PointsDonald Hand Jr.20Boston College Eagles
- AssistsDonald Hand Jr.4Boston College Eagles
- ReboundsFred Payne7Boston College Eagles
- PointsThijs De Ridder17Virginia Cavaliers
- AssistsDallin Hall3Virginia Cavaliers
- ReboundsUgonna Onyenso7Virginia Cavaliers
Recent form
Boston College Eagles
Last 10: 4-6Streak L166.4 scored · 69.7 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L64-68at Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 24
- W65-62vs Pittsburgh PanthersJan 22
- W81-73vs Syracuse OrangeJan 17
- L50-74at Clemson TigersJan 14
- L62-75at Louisville CardinalsJan 10
- L71-79vs NC State WolfpackJan 7
- L53-65at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 3
- W72-64vs Le Moyne DolphinsDec 28
- W72-61vs Fairleigh Dickinson KnightsDec 23
- L74-76vs Massachusetts MinutemenDec 11
Virginia Cavaliers
Last 10: 8-2Streak W182.1 scored · 71.4 allowed per game4-1 away
- W100-97at Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 28
- L80-85vs North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 24
- W72-68at SMU MustangsJan 17
- W79-70at Louisville CardinalsJan 14
- W70-55vs Stanford CardinalJan 10
- W84-60vs California Golden BearsJan 8
- W76-61at NC State WolfpackJan 3
- L85-95at Virginia Tech HokiesDec 31
- W95-51vs American University EaglesDec 22
- W80-72vs Maryland TerrapinsDec 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Virginia Cavaliers | Boston College Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-64 | 24-51 |
| Field goal % | 44 | 47 |
| Three-pointers | 4-23 | 3-13 |
| Three-point % | 17 | 23 |
| Free throws | 13-18 | 15-26 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 58 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 25 |
| Assists | 9 | 12 |
| Steals | 7 | 4 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 6 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 34 |
| Fouls | 22 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 7 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 36 | 55 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-40Donald Hand Jr. makes 15-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half42-40Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half43-40Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-41Jayden Hastings makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-41Ugonna Onyenso makes 1-foot dunk (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half46-41Ugonna Onyenso makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half48-41Malik Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-42Donald Hand Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-43Donald Hand Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-43Malik Thomas makes driving layup
- 2nd Half50-45Fred Payne makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half50-47Jayden Hastings makes layup (Donald Hand Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half50-49Donald Hand Jr. makes driving layup (Fred Payne assists)
- 2nd Half50-51Jayden Hastings makes layup (Donald Hand Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half50-52Jayden Hastings makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half52-52Thijs De Ridder makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half55-52Jacari White makes 25-foot three point jumper (Thijs De Ridder assists)
- 2nd Half55-54Donald Hand Jr. makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half56-54Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-54Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-54Chance Mallory makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-56Jayden Hastings makes layup (Luka Toews assists)
- 2nd Half60-56Thijs De Ridder makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-57Boden Kapke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Donald Hand Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-58Malik Thomas makes 12-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half62-60Fred Payne makes 14-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half63-60Malik Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Malik Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-61Boden Kapke makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-62Boden Kapke makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-62Dallin Hall makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-62Chance Mallory makes driving layup
- 2nd Half68-63Donald Hand Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Donald Hand Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64Dallin Hall makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-64Dallin Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Ugonna Onyenso makes 1-foot dunk (Chance Mallory assists)
- 2nd Half72-66Fred Payne makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Boden Kapke assists)
- 2nd Half73-66Thijs De Ridder makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Boston College Eagles, below favours Virginia Cavaliers.
Venue
- Conte ForumChestnut Hill, MA
- Attendance6248
- OfficialsClarence Armstrong, Jemel Spearman, Ryan Sassano
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