Miami Hurricanes Seek Perimeter Improvement Ahead of Boston College Matchup

The Hurricanes have struggled from beyond the arc as they prepare to face the struggling Eagles on the road.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The Miami Hurricanes find themselves in a slump after a 10-game win streak, as they prepare to visit the Boston College Eagles on Saturday. Miami ranks last in the ACC in 3-pointers made per game and 3-point percentage allowed, an issue that head coach Jai Lucas says the team must address on the defensive end. The Hurricanes are led by Malik Reneau, Ernest Udeh Jr., and Tre Donaldson, while Boston College has struggled offensively all season and is on a three-game losing streak.

Why it matters

This ACC matchup is crucial for both teams as they look to improve their standing in the conference. Miami is fighting to maintain its NCAA Tournament hopes, while Boston College is trying to snap out of a prolonged slump. The outcome could have significant implications for each team's postseason aspirations.

The details

Miami ranks fourth in the ACC in scoring (84.7 points per game) and fifth in defensive average (70.1), but the team's Achilles' heel has been its perimeter defense. The Hurricanes rank last in the conference in both 3-pointers made per game (6.8) and 3-point percentage allowed (35.4%), an issue that head coach Jai Lucas says the team must address. Boston College, meanwhile, ranks last in the ACC in several offensive categories, including scoring (67.2 ppg), field-goal percentage (40.4%), assists (11.3 per game), and 3-point percentage (29.4%).

  • Miami has followed a 10-game win streak with a 2-3 stretch.
  • Boston College is on a three-game losing streak and has lost five straight road games, with its last away victory coming on November 15 against Temple.

The players

Jai Lucas

Miami's first-year head coach.

Malik Reneau

Miami's fifth-leading scorer in the ACC at 19.9 points per game and one of 10 players named to the Karl Malone Award watch list for top power forward in the country.

Ernest Udeh Jr.

Tied for first in the ACC in rebounds at 9.9 per game.

Tre Donaldson

Miami's second-leading scorer at 16 points per game and fourth in the ACC in assists at 6.1 per game.

Earl Grant

Boston College's head coach.

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What they’re saying

“We have to guard the ball better. We have to defend without fouling.”

— Jai Lucas, Miami head coach (statenews.net)

“I wasn't expecting that. We hadn't experienced that all year. They hit us.”

— Earl Grant, Boston College head coach (statenews.net)

What’s next

The outcome of the Miami-Boston College matchup could have significant implications for each team's postseason aspirations, as the Hurricanes look to maintain their NCAA Tournament hopes and the Eagles try to snap out of a prolonged slump.

The takeaway

This ACC clash between Miami and Boston College is a crucial game for both teams as they look to improve their standing in the conference. The Hurricanes' struggles from the perimeter will be a key focus, while the Eagles hope to find some offensive rhythm after a difficult stretch. The result of this matchup could have lasting effects on each program's season.