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Boston College takes on North Carolina in ACC battle

Feb 17, 2007 - 4:47 PM No. 4 North Carolina (22-4) at No. 21 Boston College (18-7) 9:00 pm EST

CHESTNUT HILL, Massachusetts (Ticker) - After a tough loss to a conference power, Boston College will play the ACC's other flagship program at home.

Coming off a loss to Duke, the 21st-ranked Eagles on Saturday will look to bounce back when they host fourth-ranked North Carolina in a battle for first place in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

The Eagles put themselves in a huge hole on Wednesday. Trailing, 65-41, with just over 11 minutes left in the second half. However, in a 10-minute span, the Eagles outscored the Blue Devils, 29-11, to cut the lead to 76-70 with 1:08 left. But they would not get any closer in a 78-70 loss.

Sean Marshall scored 23 points and Tyrese Rice added 22 for the Eagles (18-7, 9-3 ACC), who have won four out of their last five games and hold a one-half game lead over four teams - including the Tar Heels - in the ACC.

North Carolina (22-4, 8-3) did not play like it is chasing a regular-season conference title on Tuesday. Sophomore center Tyler Hansbrough twice missed the first of two free throws in the final 1:52 of overtime for the Tar Heels, who suffered an 81-80, loss to Virginia Tech.

Hansbrough scored 22 points and made 14-of-18 foul shots but it was the two late misses that loomed largest. After his first miss, the Hokies buried two foul shots with 1:27 left for a two-point lead. Hansbrough was fouled in the lane with 13 seconds remaining, but could only split a pair, forcing the Tar Heels to foul and all but ensuring defeat.

Before finishing with archrival Duke on March 4, the Tar Heels will play three of their next four games on the road in preparation for the ACC tournament.