A Boston Glee Party in Greensboro

Everything was perfectly set for another Duke-North Carolina final in the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament, then Boston College came along to spoil the party.

Craig Smith had 23 points and 15 rebounds and the 11th-ranked Eagles (26-6) shot 61% to defeat No. 10 North Carolina, 85-82, in Saturday’s semifinals, putting them a win from the title in their tournament debut.

Duke held up its end of the deal, cruising past Wake Forest, 78-66. J.J. Redick had 20 points for the third-ranked Blue Devils (29-3), even though his playing time was limited after he banged knees with Trent Strickland of the Demon Deacons (17-16).

Boston College made 33 of 54 shots, including an eight-for-16 effort from three-point range, and had a 36-28 rebounding edge in beating the Tar Heels (22-7) for a second time.

“We came down here with a purpose, and right now we’ve placed ourselves in position to win the thing,” Eagle Coach Al Skinner said. “Obviously we’re very pleased with that, but our goal is not over yet.”

Tyler Hansbrough had 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead North Carolina. The Tar Heels shot 47% with 12 three-point baskets and 24 points off 19 Eagle turnovers, but they didn’t get nearly enough of the little plays that Boston College made often.