The Boston College Eagles (9-8, 1-5 ACC) are preparing for their biggest test of the season as they face the No. 3 Duke Blue Devils (15-2, 7-0 ACC) on Saturday night at the Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. This game is shaping up to be a challenging battle for Boston College, which is looking to regain momentum in a tough ACC campaign.
Duke’s Dominance
The Blue Devils have been a powerhouse this season, boasting a stellar 88.2% win percentage—the fifth-highest in the nation. Under the leadership of freshman phenom Cooper Flagg, Duke has demonstrated why it’s a title contender. Flagg, averaging 18.7 points per game, is a versatile guard-forward hybrid who excels on both ends of the court.
Duke’s only two losses this season came in nail-biters against top-ranked teams—No. 8 Kentucky and No. 9 Kansas—by a combined total of just eight points. Since then, the Blue Devils have been nearly unstoppable, riding an impressive 11-game winning streak, including a dominant 89-54 victory over Miami earlier this week.
Boston College’s Struggles
On the other side, Boston College has had an up-and-down season. The Eagles began their 2024-2025 campaign with a promising 6-1 start, which included a championship run at the Cayman Islands Classic. However, things have taken a turn for the worse, with the team going 3-7 since that hot start.
The Eagles’ lone ACC win this season came against Miami, but they’ve struggled to find consistency. Currently riding a three-game losing streak, Boston College is desperate for a spark to turn its season around.
Head-to-Head History
This will mark the 33rd meeting between these two programs, with Duke holding a commanding 29-3 lead in the all-time series. The last matchup between the teams was on February 10, 2024, when Duke defeated Boston College 80-65 in Durham.
Players to Watch
For Duke:
- Cooper Flagg: The 6-foot-9 freshman is the centerpiece of Duke’s success. After setting an ACC freshman scoring record with 42 points against Notre Dame, Flagg has proven he can deliver under pressure.
- Kon Knueppel: Coming off a career-high 25-point performance against Miami, Knueppel’s sharp-shooting from beyond the arc makes him a crucial weapon in Duke’s offensive arsenal.
- Khaman Maluach: The 7-foot-2 center provides dominance in the paint, as seen in his recent double-double (12 points and 15 rebounds) against Miami.
For Boston College:
- Quinten Post: As one of Boston College’s most consistent scorers, Post will need to step up against Duke’s tough defense.
- Makai Ashton-Langford: The veteran guard will be critical in managing the game’s tempo and creating scoring opportunities for the Eagles.
Keys to the Game
Duke:
- Maintain Offensive Efficiency: The Blue Devils have been lights out recently, shooting over 50% from the field and draining three-pointers with ease. Their ball movement and spacing will be key to breaking down Boston College’s defense.
- Control the Boards: With Khaman Maluach’s rebounding dominance, Duke will aim to limit second-chance opportunities for the Eagles.
Boston College:
- Defensive Intensity: Slowing down Duke’s high-powered offense is no easy task, but the Eagles must force turnovers and contest every shot to stay in the game.
- Capitalize on Home-Court Advantage: Conte Forum is expected to be packed with fans hoping to witness an upset. Boston College will need to feed off that energy.
Key Moments in Recent Games
In Duke’s last outing, the Blue Devils put on a clinic against Miami, dominating from the opening tip. Kon Knueppel’s three-pointers and Khaman Maluach’s interior presence were too much for the Hurricanes to handle. Duke’s defense was equally impressive, holding Miami to 54 points.
Meanwhile, Boston College is coming off a tough road loss to Notre Dame, where they struggled to find rhythm on both ends of the court. The Eagles will need to regroup quickly to avoid a similar fate against a much stronger Duke team.
Predictions
Duke vs Boston College Score Prediction:
Duke 90, Boston College 65
The Blue Devils’ depth and offensive firepower will likely prove too much for the struggling Eagles. Expect Cooper Flagg to put on another show, supported by strong performances from Knueppel and Maluach. While Boston College will fight hard, the gap in talent and form between the two teams is significant.
How to Watch
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the action:
- Who: Duke Blue Devils (15-2, 7-0 ACC) vs. Boston College Eagles (9-8, 1-5 ACC)
- When: Saturday, January 18 at 8 p.m. ET
- Where: Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: WEEI 850 AM
Final Thoughts
The clash between Duke and Boston College represents a matchup of two teams at opposite ends of the ACC spectrum. For Duke, this game is an opportunity to extend their dominance and further establish themselves as one of the best teams in college basketball. For Boston College, it’s a chance to turn their season around and prove they can compete with the best.
All eyes will be on Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils as they continue their quest for ACC supremacy. Will the Eagles rise to the challenge, or will Duke’s winning streak roll on? Tune in Saturday night to find out.