Preview and Final Score Prediction For No. 17 Virginia vs Boston College

Can Virginia get their 18th win of the season when they face Boston College this afternoon?

Jan 27, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Sam Lewis (5) drives as Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Jalen Haralson (10) defends during the second half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

After a thrilling win over Notre Dame on Tuesday night, Virginia looks to get another ACC win on the road. The Cavaliers head to Boston College this afternoon to take on one of the conferences lesser teams.

No. 17 Virginia (17-3) is tied for third in the ACC at 6-2, while Boston College (9-11) is 13th at 2-5. The Cavaliers are 7-2 away from home this season, including a 5-1 mark in true road contests. UVA has scored 80 or more points in 15 games, most since 21 in 2000-01. The Cavaliers are averaging 84.6 points, third-most in school history and most since 85 ppg in 2000-01. UVA is 16th in the NET and kenpom.com rankings. Virginia has a three-game win streak against the Eagles. Boston College’s Donald Hand Jr. is the son of former UVA great Donald Hand (1998-2001)

Virginia has the clearly better team

Jan 27, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Thijs de Ridder (28) shoots as Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Carson Towt (33) defends during the second half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

There is no doubt as to who the better team is coming into today's game, but will Ryan Odom's team play like it?

Thijs De Ridder scored a career-high 32 points and Sam Lewis added 21 points as No. 17 Virginia rallied for a 100-97 doubleovertime win at Notre Dame on Tuesday, Jan. 27. UVA (17-3, 6-2 ACC) trailed 39-20 in the first half, rallying to post its largest comeback win since trailing Arizona by 19 points in a 93-90 win over the Wildcats in 2006. Lewis drilled five 3-pointers, including one with 3.5 seconds left in overtime, to send the contest to double overtime. Cole Certa led Notre Dame (11-10, 2-6 ACC) with a career-high 34 points, while Jalen Haralson added 20 points.

UVA ranks first in the ACC in rebounds (42) and offensive rebounds (14.3), second in field goal percentage defense (.392), 3-point percentage (.366), rebound margin (+9.2) and blocks (6.1 bpg), third in 3-pointers (10.4) and assist/turnover ratio (1.61), fourth in scoring margin (+15.2) and assists (17.5) and fifth in scoring defense (69.5 ppg), 3-point field goal percentage defense (.304) and defensive rebounds (27.7 rpg). Thijs De Ridder ranks ninth in scoring (17.1 ppg), seventh in field goal percentage (53.1%) and 18th in rebounds (6.4 rpg). Dallin Hall ranks first in assist/turnover ratio (3.3) and 10th in assists (4.4 apg). Ugonna Onyenso ranks second in blocks at 2.5 bpg. Johann Grünloh ranks third in blocks (2.3 bpg) and 16th in rebounds (6.5 rpg). Chance Mallory ranks third in assist/turnover ratio (2.9), fifth in steals (1.9 spg), 14th in assists (3.6 apg) and 15th in free
throw percentage (80%).

Barring a crazy night shooting from three or a turnover laden game, Virginia should dominate this game. Boston College is the lowest rated team in the ACC per KenPom and the Cavaliers are rated as one of the best in the country. Despite this game being on the road, Virginia should control this game from start to finish and come away with a win.

Final Score: UVA 87, Boston College 71