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If nothing else, this season has been a lesson on the rigors of playing in the brutal ACC. Through 8 games in the ACC BC has played six NCAA tournament locks (Duke, Virginia, Clemson, UNC, Florida State, Louisville), one team that is on the bubble (Syracuse), and one team not in the NCAA picture (Wake Forest). If I told you going into the ACC schedule that the Eagles would be 3-5 after that stretch, you’d probably be pretty happy. Afterwards, it’s hard not to be upset with tight losses at Virginia, a team capable of going to the Final Four, and at home to Clemson, a team that has the senior leadership to play until the second weekend of the NCAA tournament. While BC will probably not make the tournament, it’s always fun to play spoiler, and with games coming up against Notre Dame, NC State (who’s beaten both Duke and Carolina), and Syracuse, Jim Christian has a real chance to knock some of those teams off the bubble come Selection Sunday. It starts tonight against the Virginia Tech Hokies.
Keys to the Game
Entering tonight 11-1 at Conte Forum, the main key for BC is to keep doing what they’ve been doing at home. Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson need to take over this game, shoot the ball efficiently, and not turn the ball over too many times. In addition, getting Jordan Chatman open looks should be key. In games that BC has won, such as Duke and Florida State, Chatman has been a major offensive contributor. However, in a close loss to Clemson, he was only able to attempt one shot. His contribution can often be the piece that gets the Eagles over the hump.
Virginia Tech’s Strengths
They are extremely experienced, with only three underclassmen in their rotation. That kind of experience is invaluable for Coach Buzz Williams as he tries to win on the road.
Hokie To Watch Out For
#13 Ahmed Hill is the Hokie to look out for tonight. The talented junior is the leading scorer for the Hokies, averaging just over 14.5 PPG. However, with six Hokies averaging over 8 PPG, this is a well-balanced attack that can be difficult to defend.
Predictions
Matt: 77-65 BC
Katie: 76-72 BC
Toppin: 81-76 BC. Optimism for me
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