No. 17 Virginia storms back to spoil Boston College's upset attempt

Field Level MediaSun, February 1, 2026 at 4:16 AM UTC

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Jan 31, 2026; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Thijs de Ridder (28) shoots a lay up against Boston College Eagles guard Donald Hand Jr. (13) during the first half at Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images (Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

Thijs De Ridder came through with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting, and No. 17 Virginia survived an upset bid by Boston College with a 73-66 ACC win Saturday in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Malik Thomas chipped in 14 points and Chase Mallory added 11 points and six rebounds for the Cavaliers (18-3, 7-2), who have won their last four games against the Eagles.

Boston College (9-12, 2-6) lost despite a balanced attack that was headlined by Donald Hand Jr., who poured in 20 points, grabbed six rebounds and handed out four assists.

Fred Payne finished with 17 points and seven boards, while Boden Kapke (14) and Jayden Hastings (12) also reached double figures. Hastings also snagged six rebounds and blocked two shots.

Down 32-27 at halftime, Virginia grabbed its first lead when Sam Lewis hit a jumper and drew a foul. His ensuing free throw put the Cavaliers up 41-38 with 15:30 to go.

Trailing 50-43, the Eagles used a 9-0 run to regain the lead on a layup by Hastings. He was fouled and made a free throw for a 52-50 lead with 11:01 left.

Knotted at 52-all, Jacari White connected on a 3-pointer at the 9:52 mark for Virginia.

The Cavaliers held a 64-60 advantage heading into the final 3:32 despite missing five consecutive shots from the field.

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Two free throws by Kapke had the Eagles within 64-62 coming out of a media timeout before Dallin Hall and Mallory scored on back-to-back baskets for a 68-62 advantage with 2:36 remaining.

Boston College's hopes for a rally were dashed in part by going more than five minutes without a field goal down the stretch.

Boston College came in looking for its first win over a Top-25 team in nearly three years when it defeated Virginia, ranked sixth at the time, by a 63-48 score at home.

The Eagles started strong, leading 10-4 with 16:25 to play after Payne was fouled while making a 3-pointer and the ensuing free throw.

But the Cavaliers caught up and tied the score at 12-all at the 14:56 mark thanks to a 3-pointer from White.

The Eagles stayed a step or two ahead, however, and led 28-21 at the 5:54 mark after Payne's 3-pointer and Hand's dunk on a fastbreak opportunity that left him wide open for the crowd-pleasing bucket.

Boston College went to halftime leading by five, shooting 50% (14 of 28) from the field while limiting Virginia to a 12-of-33 showing from the floor (36%).

--Field Level Media

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Source: “AOL Sports”