Boston College Riding High After Syracuse Thriller, Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling vs. Pitt
Boston College is coming off one of its most electric wins of the season, and now the Eagles are eyeing a second straight ACC victory as they host Pitt on Wednesday night. Tip-off is set for ACC Network, and if Saturday’s comeback over Syracuse is any indication, Conte Forum might be rocking again.
Let’s start with what just happened: BC’s 81-73 overtime win over Syracuse wasn’t just a gritty comeback-it was the kind of game that can change a season’s trajectory. Down late, the Eagles clawed their way back, and when Donald Hand Jr. buried a deep three with 17 seconds left in regulation, the roof nearly came off Conte Forum. That shot forced OT, and from there, BC took control.
Head coach Earl Grant gave credit where it was due: the crowd. “I don't know if they thought that was an old Big East game or what they thought,” Grant said, “but that was the best atmosphere that we've had here in a while.” The energy in the building clearly fueled the team, and the players responded with one of their most complete efforts of the year.
Fred Payne Keeps Cooking
One of the biggest reasons BC is trending upward? Fred Payne.
The sophomore guard has been on an absolute tear, and Saturday was no exception. He dropped a career-high 26 points, marking his fifth 20+ point performance in the last six games.
He’s not just scoring-he’s doing it efficiently and with confidence, giving the Eagles a consistent offensive engine.
Bench Boost and Big Man Brilliance
Chase Forte also came up big, providing 13 key points off the bench. His spark was crucial in keeping BC within striking distance during stretches when the offense stalled.
And let’s not overlook Jayden Hastings, who turned in a monster stat line: 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, 13 rebounds, two blocks, and three steals. That’s the kind of all-around performance that doesn’t just show up in the box score-it changes games.
DJ Hand’s Redemption Arc
Saturday’s win also marked a potential turning point for Donald Hand Jr., who’s had a tough season by his own standards. After a scoreless outing against Clemson on January 13th, questions were swirling. Coach Grant acknowledged the pressure: “I think the expectations were really high coming in… there’s a lot of season left.”
Hand started slow again against Syracuse-just two points in the first half-but when the moment came, he delivered. That game-tying three wasn’t just a shot; it was a statement.
He finished with 13 points and looked more like the DJ Hand Jr. BC fans were hoping to see all year.
If that version sticks around, this team’s ceiling gets a whole lot higher.
The History and the Challenge Ahead
Wednesday’s matchup against Pitt marks the 62nd all-time meeting between these two programs. Pitt holds a 39-22 edge in the series and dominated the most recent meeting last March, cruising to a 93-67 win. That game still stings for BC, and it’s safe to say they’ll be looking to flip the script this time around.
Pitt, meanwhile, enters the game at 8-10 overall and just 1-4 in ACC play. They’re coming off a rough 100-59 loss to Louisville, and they’ve struggled to find consistency this season. Head coach Jeff Capel III is in his eighth year at the helm, sitting at 122-117 overall with the Panthers.
Their top threat is sophomore guard Brandin Cummings, who’s averaging 13.5 points per game on 45% shooting. He’s also hitting 34% from deep, and when he gets hot, Pitt’s offense can find another gear.
As a team, Pitt is scoring 73.3 points per game while allowing 71.1. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they suggest a team that can hang around-especially if BC lets up.
What’s at Stake
For Boston College, this is a chance to build momentum and climb the ACC ladder. Saturday’s win was emotional, but now it’s about stacking performances. If Payne keeps rolling, if Hand is truly back, and if the role players continue to step up, BC has the pieces to make some noise.
Pitt, on the other hand, is desperate for a bounce-back. They’ve dropped four of their last five and are trying to avoid falling deeper into the ACC basement. Expect them to come out with urgency.
But if Conte Forum brings the same energy it did against Syracuse-and if BC brings that same fight-the Eagles could find themselves riding a real wave.