It wasn't pretty, but Boston College is heading into Christmas break with a three game winning streak. In front of a skeleton crowd of just over 2,000 the Eagles defeated the Sacred Heart Pioneers 83-73. BC led for most of the game, amassing nine point leads four different times during the first half alone. BC's offense looked to be clicking on all cylinders tonight as they shot over 55% in the game, including going 50% from beyond the arc. They struggled to put away Sacred Heart, due mostly to BC's poor defense, but the Pioneers couldn't rally enough to take the lead.
The star of the game was Matt Humphrey who dropped 18 points. This was a very important game for the sophomore, especially after the rough game he had against Bryant where he shot 1-11. His shot selection was much improved this game, as he slashed more and didn't settle for bad jump shots. Because of his solid passing, and veteran leadership, he is going to be the most important player going into ACC play.
Center Dennis Clifford had his highest scoring game this season with 16 points and six boards before fouling out with more than two minutes left. Other high scorers included Ryan Anderson who scored 13 and Lonnie Jackson who scored 12 for the Eagles. BC continued to shoot the three even though the Pioneers had no answer to Dennis Clifford in the paint.
Boston College really struggled on defense tonight allowing Sacred Heart to shoot 50%, and 47% from beyond the arc. The Pioneers were led by Shane Gibson, who dropped 25 points, including five three pointers. It seemed that whenever BC started to put them away Gibson would drop a three pointer to keep Sacred Heart in the game. Evan Kelley was SH's second leading scorer with 12 points.
BC is off until next Thursday when they play Massachusetts best college basketball team, the Harvard Crimson. The Eagles are riding a wave of success, with much improved offensive output true it was against inferior opponents. But it seems very clear that the Eagles' are heading in the right direction. Harvard is a powerhouse at 9-1, including solid wins against BU and Holy Cross -- both teams who have beaten the Eagles. The Crimson are no Stony Brook or Bryant, will BC be able to put together 40 minutes against a good team like the Crimson? We will have a week to wait. Go Eagles!