No. 4 North Carolina Holds off Boston College for Eighth Consecutive Double-Digit Win
ICARO Media Group
In a thrilling matchup on Saturday, No. 4 North Carolina showcased their resilience as they overcame a second-half challenge from Boston College to extend their streak of double-digit wins to eight in a row. Led by Harrison Ingram and Armando Bacot's impressive performances after the break, the Tar Heels secured a 76-66 victory at BC's Conte Forum.
RJ Davis led the scoring for North Carolina with 16 points, while Harrison Ingram displayed his versatility with 11 points and an impressive 13 rebounds. Armando Bacot contributed all of his 10 points in the second half, along with nine rebounds for the game. Ingram added nine crucial points after the break, helping Carolina (15-3, 7-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) pull away late.
Despite Boston College (11-7, 2-5) putting up a solid fight and narrowing the gap to just five points with three minutes remaining, the Tar Heels' victory was essentially assured. North Carolina's free-throw shooting prowess was a major factor in their triumph, as they finished the game with a remarkable 21 of 26 from the line, including a near-perfect 14 of 15 in the second half.
North Carolina coach Hubert Davis commended the performance of his key players, stating, "At the end of the day, you need your dudes to step up. You need your big-time players to make plays. We need those guys to play well. In the second half, they stepped up and helped us win another road game."
The Eagles' first sellout crowd of the season at the Conte Forum was treated to an exciting contest, with BC holding the lead for a significant portion of the first half. With just three minutes remaining in the game, Boston College trailed by only five points, providing a glimmer of hope for their fans. However, the team struggled to convert crucial baskets down the stretch, ultimately losing for the third time in four games.
Quinten Post delivered an impressive performance for Boston College, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds. Despite Post's efforts, BC was unable to overcome North Carolina's strong presence and ultimately fell short.
North Carolina's victory marked the 17th time they have defeated Boston College in their last 18 encounters. The Tar Heels now look ahead to their next challenge as they host Wake Forest on Monday, while Boston College aims to bounce back when they face Virginia Tech on Tuesday night.
The matchup between these ACC rivals showcased North Carolina's determination to maintain their winning streak, while also highlighting Boston College's resilience despite the loss. As the college basketball season progresses, both teams are expected to continue their competitive performances within the conference.