Return of Cole Anthony not enough for UNC, Boston College takes down Tar Heels, 71-70

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Jared Hamilton scored 18 points and made 2 of 3 free throws with 17.2 seconds remaining to lift Boston College to a 71-70 victory over North Carolina on Saturday night.

Derryck Thornton added 15 points for the Eagles (11-11, 5-6 Atlantic Coast Conference), who spoiled the return of North Carolina point guard Cole Anthony after a seven-week absence.

Anthony, North Carolina's star freshman point guard and leading scorer, had 26 points in his first action since he had arthroscopic surgery Dec. 16 to repair a partially torn meniscus in his right knee. His desperation 3-pointer just before the final buzzer came up short.

Jay Heath scored 12 points and Nik Popovic had 10 for the Eagles, who snapped a 12-game losing streak to North Carolina. Boston College shot 46% from the floor and picked up its first win over the Tar Heels since Feb. 20, 2010.

Brandon Robinson had 12 points on 5-of-16 shooting for North Carolina (10-11, 3-7) before leaving the court injured after fouling Hamilton on the game-deciding 3-point try.

Armando Bacot added 11 points and 10 rebounds, and Garrison Brooks had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Tar Heels. North Carolina shot 22 of 61 (36%), including 4 of 19 from 3-point range.

BIG PICTURE

Boston College: With five losses in their previous six games, the Eagles needed this one. They matched their ACC win total from last season and stayed within striking distance of a .500 record in conference play, something they haven't achieved since the 2010-11 season.

North Carolina: The Tar Heels had some momentum after back-to-back wins against Miami and North Carolina State, and Anthony's return figured give them a boost. But they came up short at home in a game they needed to win. They face a big challenge with four of their final 10 games against teams ranked in the Top 10.

UP NEXT

Boston College: The Eagles host No. 9 Duke, whom they've beaten one time in the last 13 meetings, on Tuesday night.

North Carolina: The Tar Heels play at No. 5 Florida State, which is 10-0 at home this season, on Monday night.