Preview: North Carolina State at Boston College

NEWTON, Mass. (Interstat) — The North Carolina State Wolfpack look to rebound from a conference-opening loss when they visit the Boston College Eagles in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup Tuesday night at Silvio O. Conte Forum.

The Wolfpack (10-5, 0-1 ACC) enter after a 76-61 home defeat to Virginia on Saturday. NC State had won three straight prior to that, including a 76-62 victory over Mississippi. Boston College (7-7, 0-1) also seeks its first ACC win after falling 65-53 at Georgia Tech on Saturday.

NC State guard Quadir Copeland has been a dynamic force and will be a primary focus for the Eagles’ defense. Over his last six games, Copeland is averaging 13.7 points and 6.8 assists per contest. He posted 15 points and four assists against Virginia and had a near triple-double with 16 points, seven rebounds and nine assists in the win over Mississippi.

Boston College will counter with forward Boden Kapke, who is coming off a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds against Georgia Tech. Kapke has recorded double-digit rebounds in three of his last four appearances, providing a consistent interior presence for the Eagles.

The Wolfpack have shown a potent offense, scoring 85 or more points in three of their last seven games, but have also shown vulnerability in close losses to Kansas and Auburn. Boston College has struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses for much of the season and averaging just 62.5 points in its two most recent games.

This contest begins a critical stretch for both teams navigating the early ACC schedule. NC State will travel to Florida State on Saturday, while Boston College faces a quick turnaround with a trip to Louisville on Jan. 10.

Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. EST Tuesday.