Virginia rallies past Boston College 73-66 in Chestnut Hill, using rebounding and second-half execution

Virginia turns a halftime deficit into an ACC road win

Virginia overcame a five-point halftime deficit and pulled away late to defeat Boston College 73-66 on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill. The victory moved the Cavaliers to 18-3 overall and 7-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference play, while the Eagles fell to 9-12 and 2-6 in the league.

Boston College controlled much of the first half behind efficient scoring from Donald Hand Jr. and Fred Payne, taking a 32-27 lead into the break. Virginia, ranked No. 17 at tip, stayed within reach by extending possessions on the offensive glass and limiting the Eagles’ transition opportunities.

Inside scoring and second-chance chances change the game

Virginia took its first lead early in the second half, turning increased pressure at the rim into points. A three-point play about 4:30 into the period put the Cavaliers ahead 41-38, part of a sequence that marked a clear shift in how Virginia attacked Boston College’s defense. The Cavaliers’ advantage on the boards remained a constant: Virginia finished with a 39-33 rebounding edge, including 14 offensive rebounds that helped stabilize the offense even when possessions initially stalled.

Thijs De Ridder led Virginia with 17 points, with Malik Thomas adding 14 and Chance Mallory scoring 11. For Boston College, Hand scored 20 points and Payne added 17, accounting for more than half of the Eagles’ total output.

Key stretch: Virginia leads for good after mid-half three

Boston College responded after Virginia’s initial push and kept the game within a possession in the middle portion of the second half. The Cavaliers, however, regained control with a go-ahead three-pointer from the top of the key just under 10 minutes remaining, making it 55-52. From there, Virginia protected the margin with a steady half-court approach and timely finishes at the basket.

The Eagles stayed within two possessions into the final minute, but a late dunk extended Virginia’s lead to 72-64 and effectively sealed the outcome.

What the result means in the ACC race

• Virginia reinforced its position near the top of the ACC standings by winning a game in which it trailed for most of the first half.
• Boston College showed it could generate quality offense against a ranked opponent, but struggled to finish possessions on the defensive glass.

Final score: Virginia 73, Boston College 66 (Jan. 31, 2026).

Next games

Virginia is scheduled to host Pittsburgh on Tuesday. Boston College is set to travel to face No. 4 Duke on Tuesday.