NEWTON, Mass. (Interstat) — A surging Miami squad looks to rebound from a heartbreaking loss when it visits struggling Boston College in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday.

The Hurricanes (17-5) enter Silvio O. Conte Forum having won seven of their last nine games, but are coming off a narrow 86-85 home defeat to California last Saturday. Miami’s offense, averaging over 80 points per game during this stretch, will be tested against an Eagles team seeking consistency.

Boston College (9-13) has lost three straight and six of its last seven, most recently a 67-49 setback at Duke on Tuesday. The Eagles have struggled to find scoring support beyond standout guard Fred Payne. Payne is averaging 18.4 points over his last seven games, including a 26-point, 6-assist effort in an overtime win over Syracuse on Jan. 17.

Miami will counter with forward Malik Reneau, who has been a dominant force. Reneau is averaging 18.6 points over his last seven contests, posting a 20-point, 11-rebound, 5-assist performance in a win at Syracuse on Jan. 24 and scoring 24 in the loss to California.

The Hurricanes’ backcourt of Tre Donaldson and Shelton Henderson, who combined for 30 points against Cal, provides balance. Boston College will need more production from its frontcourt to complement Payne and avoid being overpowered inside by Reneau.

Historically, Miami has controlled the recent series, winning the last five meetings. The teams will meet again in Coral Gables on Feb. 28.

For Boston College, the game opens a critical three-game homestand. Miami continues a tough ACC road stretch before hosting North Carolina on Feb. 10.

Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Conte Forum.