Preview: Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Boston College Eagles SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (Interstat) — Regional rivals Massachusetts and Boston College will meet on a neutral court Wednesday night in the 2025-26 Hall of Fame Classic at Springfield’s MassMutual Center. The Minutemen (6-3) enter with momentum, having won three straight games, including a decisive 80-60 victory over Massachusetts-Lowell on Saturday. The Eagles (5-5) look to steady themselves after an inconsistent start, most recently edging New Haven 67-63. A key matchup will feature versatile guards on both sides. Massachusetts’ Jayden Ndjigue is coming off a strong all-around performance with 15 points, six rebounds and four assists against UMass-Lowell. Over his last three games, the junior is averaging 12.7 points and 4.7 rebounds. Boston College will counter with guard Fred Payne, its leading scorer in two of the last three contests. Payne poured in 18 points against New Haven and is averaging 15.7 points over his last three outings. His backcourt battle with Ndjigue could dictate the tempo. The Minutemen have shown balance. In the win over UMass-Lowell, Daniel Hankins-Sanford added 12 points, nine rebounds and four blocks, while Marcus Banks led all scorers with 17 points. Massachusetts has surpassed 80 points in four of its six wins this season. Boston College has struggled offensively at times, scoring 69 or fewer points in four of its five losses. The Eagles will need more consistent production beyond Payne, with forwards like Jayden Hastings (seven points, five rebounds, two blocks vs. New Haven) providing interior support. This is the first meeting between the programs since 2021. The game serves as a final non-conference test before both turn to their league schedules. Massachusetts visits Florida State on Saturday, while Boston College hosts Fairleigh Dickinson on Dec. 22 before opening Atlantic Coast Conference play at Georgia Tech on Jan. 3. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday.