Boston College was defeated by Notre Dame 68-64 in a men’s basketball game held Saturday evening at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. The Eagles led for much of the contest but were unable to hold off a late push from the Fighting Irish.
Fred Payne led Boston College with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists. “He has surpassed 18 points in six of seven ACC games,” according to the team. Donald Hand Jr. contributed 17 points and six rebounds, while Luka Toews added 14 points and made all four of his three-point attempts.
The Eagles started strong, opening with an 8-0 run and holding Notre Dame scoreless for over five minutes. They maintained defensive pressure throughout the first half, limiting Notre Dame to just over 32 percent shooting and forcing five turnovers. Boston College entered halftime ahead 35-24.
Notre Dame responded early in the second half with a 10-0 run to close the gap. The teams traded leads before Notre Dame pulled ahead by seven points following a series of free throws late in the game. Boston College narrowed the deficit to two points with under two minutes remaining, but Notre Dame secured the win at the free throw line.
With this result, Boston College’s record in Atlantic Coast Conference play falls to 2-5, and their overall season record stands at 9-11. The Eagles’ all-time series against Notre Dame now stands at 17 wins and 30 losses.
Looking ahead, Boston College will host No. 14 Virginia on Saturday, January 31 at Conte Forum. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:30 p.m., with coverage available on The CW Network and WEEI 850 radio. This upcoming matchup marks the teams’ 32nd meeting; Virginia leads the series 22-9 overall but Boston College is even at home with a record of six wins and six losses against Virginia there. The last time Boston College defeated a top ten-ranked team was also against Virginia on February 22, 2023.
