Brian: The Eagles proved that their latest two game ACC road trip wasn’t a fluke as they jumped all over the #21 Clemson Tigers in the first half to build up a 42-25 halftime lead. BC would ultimately hold on to win 75-69. Reggie Jackson provided a spark off the bench, pacing the Eagles with 18 points and hitting some clutch free throws down the stretch. What did you like from the Eagles performance tonight?
Jeff: Beating the Clemson press is certainly the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Eagles' performance last night. Beating teams that press is always such an issue for BC. I also liked the balanced scoring. Reggie Jackson, Corey Raji and Rakim Sanders all scored double digits. Joe Trapani had nine, seven players had at least two FGs and everyone who played scored. It is rare that nine players score in an ACC game without ever getting to garbage time.
Brian: During the game, you mentioned that the fact that Tigers junior guard Demontez Stitt was not playing could not be overstated. So, in your opinion, if Clemson had Stitt, would BC still have won?
Jeff: Yes, probably. Not yes definitely. I think the Eagles played well enough to still beat a healthy Clemson team last night. However, the game never would've gotten to the point where Boston College was up close to 20 points had Stitt played and we probably would've trailed at times during the second half. You never know for sure but BC fans know as well as any that you don't realize how valuable players like Louis Hinnant are until they're gone and I am certain that Demontez Stitt is as good or a better college player than Hinnant was.
Brian: The BC victory drew the attention of New York Times writer Pete Thamel. Thamel interviewed Reggie Jackson before the game, who remains confident that this team can make some noise in the ACC and push for an NCAA Tournament berth. Jackson mentioned that in the shootaround 15 minutes before tip-off, Conte Forum was empty.
Jackson said that Tuesday night, when B.C. came out to shoot about 15 minutes before tip-off, Conte Forum was empty.
"It was tough coming out in the beginning and not seeing any fans," he said.
Has this team now given fans a reason to show up in full force on Saturday against Florida State?
Jeff: I do feel bad for the team that not more fans show up to Conte Forum on a regular basis, but if the fans have ever had an excuse, this is the year after the team lost to 5 mid-major conference teams before getting into the meat of ACC play. Sure, you and I know that Northern Iowa only has 2 losses this season and that Rhode Island is a pretty good team, but we're still supposed to beat those teams and the Saint Joseph's, Harvard, and Maine losses are even less explainable.
The next three home games against Florida State, Duke and North Carolina are all sold out. Hopefully the fans will be given reason to show up for the Virginia Tech and Virginia games after that.