With such a young team this season, there is less of an emphasis on wins and losses. That said, it doesn't make losing like this any easier.
Virginia Tech's Dorian Finney-Smith's tap in with 1.8 seconds left lifted the Hokies to a dramatic 66-65 win at Cassell Coliseum last night. On the ensuing possession, Lonnie Jackson attempted a desperation three from just inside the halfcourt line that clanked off the back rim and Virginia Tech escaped with a win.
Despite the set back, BC played one of its best games of the season. There was improvement in all facets of the Eagles game.
Ball movement was improved, leading to some easy dunks down low. The Eagles shot the ball well from the floor, shooting a season high 24-of-53 from the floor (55.8 percent), the highest field goal percentage the Hokies have allowed all season. BC also made a total of nine three pointers and shot over 40 percent from behind the arc.
The Eagles also did a good job of protecting the basketball, finishing with a season low 10 turnovers.
The defense was improved, as the Eagles held the Hokies to 27-60 shooting from the floor, and played good position defense. BC even hit each of their first eight shots from the charity stripe.
All good, except for one key stat on the scoresheet: rebounds.
The Eagles got crushed on the glass all afternoon, giving up a total of 16 offensive rebounds, managing just four of their own, and losing the rebounding margin 30-19. BC put together their best offensive performance of the season but were undone on the boards, culminating in Finney-Smith's offensive putback with 1.8 seconds left.
Tough to watch the Eagles squander a 10-point lead, but chalk this up as another learning experience for this young team. The good news is that this team has come a long way in a very short time. BC figures to be a tough out the rest of the way and no ACC program is gonna want to draw the Eagles in the first round of the ACC Tournament.
Player of the game: Ryan Anderson, who finished with a team-high 17 points, seven rebounds and shot 6-7 from the floor.
BC is back in action on Thursday night as they face the the 14-10 Maryland Terrapins in College Park. The Terps (4-6) are coming off a 73-55 loss to Duke on Saturday. If the Eagles play as well as they have over the past few games, BC could very well spring the upset and notch their first road win of the season down in College Park.