Boston College Men’s Basketball Outlasts Wyoming 88-76

BC 88 - Wyoming 76

After a pair of close wins and a loss to open the season, a blowout was just what the doctor ordered for BC men’s basketball. That’s what it looked like we would get for much of the Fort Myers Tip-off opener against Wyoming tonight. The Eagles overpowered the undermanned Cowboys, dominating the offensive boards 15 to 5. Wyoming had no answer for Ky Bowman, who was spectacular with 38 points and 7 rebounds as BC built a lead that felt insurmountable.

After pushing the lead up to 22 in the second half, the Eagles allowed the Cowboys to slowly chip away down to 3 with 4:40 remaining. BC’s sloppiness and fouls early in the second half came back to bite them as the Cowboys gained the double bonus with over four minutes to play. Reyes and Tabbs both fouled out, Jordan Chatman was ice cold, and offense was very hard to come by as the Wyoming defense collapsed on Bowman with the double team. The good news is that, unlike in last week’s IUPUI upset, this team dug in their heels and made shots when it mattered down the stretch. They bent but did not break, making their last eight consecutive free throws and going 3-3 from deep to end with an 88-76 victory.

JohnCarlos Reyes got his first big opportunity of the season, with Nik Popovic and Luka Kraljevic both unavailable, and he took advantage. He looked sure handed around he rim, and had 15 points on 6-7 shooting in 19 minutes. Avery Wilson also got the start over Wynston Tabbs for the first time this year and played capably with a field goal and two assists in 13 minutes. Vin Baker Jr. and Chris Herren Jr. each hit crucial three-pointers in the final three minutes of the game. If those four players built some confidence and experience today, Jim Christian can add that as silver lining to the win.

With the win, the Eagles advance to the tournament final on Wednesday night at 7:30, where they will meet last spring’s Final Four contender Loyola Chicago.