BC Interruption: All Posts by Curran SchestagA Boston College Eagles Community.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47285/bci-fave.png2024-03-24T23:26:46-04:00https://www.bcinterruption.com/authors/curran-schestag/rss2024-03-24T23:26:46-04:002024-03-24T23:26:46-04:00Boston College Men’s Basketball’s Season Ends, 77-70, to UNLV
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Quarterfinal-Boston College vs Virginia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/frcssvjOFbBFhJEGxD1-YpuBYHs=/0x0:2670x1780/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73230440/usa_today_22788591.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="BBaIob">Boston College fell 77-70 to UNLV in the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nit-tournament">NIT</a> Second Round, ending Earl Grant’s third season.</p>
<p id="z2PBp6"> Mason Madsen canned a three to draw first blood, but both offenses were clicking early. Post took a dribble-drive to the rack for an easy deuce, using his height advantage, but UNLV found points easy to come by – attacking McGlockton in the paint and connecting from distance. A lot of tough shots fell early for the Rebels, spotting them an early two-possession lead. Jaeden Zackery, however, looked energetic. He freed up for a nice midrange jumper and then cut to the rack for an easy deuce, fueling BC’s offense and keeping them within five. Post, on the other hand, looked shaky with a couple missed 3s and a bad turnover (which led to a wide-open UNLV triple). Nevertheless, BC’s offense naturally seemed to match up well with the Rebels. Post lingered on the perimeter, freeing up the paint for cutters and making UNLV’s perimeter defenders work extremely hard. </p>
<p id="uPWrot"> After taking Zackery out of the game, however, the ball stopped moving as effectively. Harris stood with the ball at the top of the key for about 5 seconds without dribbling, before getting it ripped away. Grant promptly pulled Harris (and Post) in favor of Zackery and Mighty, and the next offensive possession saw Aligbe turn the ball over attempting to run a pick and roll. This possession was then followed with a shot clock violation; BC struggled getting a man open and the offense just stagnated with no dribble penetration or successful off-ball movement. </p>
<p id="GiDZQR"> Grant finally brought Post back, and the offense instantly found life. Post attacked off the dribble, then kicked to McGlockton for a wide-open 3 before QP got one to fall himself. With two Hand FTs on the next possession, BC took their first lead of the night. The hot shooting continued, with Madsen and McGlockton each connecting from downtown as well. The starters, when out there and making smart decisions, were able to consistently create good shots. Defensively, BC was not very sharp – biting on pump fakes, rotating late, and not getting through screens – but despite some rough patches (including losing the turnover battle 6-0), they headed to the locker room tied at 37.</p>
<p id="hyW3OL"> Harris opened up the second half with a triple to give BC a three-point lead. McGlockton picked up his third personal, but then collected a Post miss for a nice putback. The first couple minutes of the second half mirrored those of the first: lots of offense on both sides, with some tough makes, and very little defense. Elijah Strong replaced McGlockton following the latter’s third foul, and he produced yet again with some excellent transition defense and a string of points, including a coast-to-coast tough finish at the rack. Neither team, however, could make a run to take control of the game, keeping it a one possession game. Zackery absorbed some contact to energize the BC bench with an and-1, but BC’s defense decided to leave UNLV wide open for an easy deuce in response. With a roaring crowd behind them, UNLV went on an 11-0 run – highlighted by a 30-foot three chucked at the end of the shot clock and a thunderous dunk – to take a 63-54 lead with 8:01 left to play. </p>
<p id="MorriK"> Boston College responded with a timeout and Harris hit a nasty corner 3 with a defender draped all over him to quiet the crowd, but BC just could not string a series of stops together. McGlockton hit another 3, but on the ensuing possession UNLV breezed past BC’s backcourt pressure and tossed an and-1 alley–oop. </p>
<p id="zNMYuQ"> Quinten Post, with potentially the last minutes of his collegiate career draining away, decided to drag BC back into it. He drilled a 3 off of a broken play, cutting the deficit to 6, before attacking through the lane for an easy dunk. Unfortunately, UNLV responded with a 3, and Harris missed two 3s and a floater in the clutch to sink BC’s season 77-70. Post finished his collegiate career with 20 and 9, with McGlockton chipping in 11, 5 and 5. </p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/3/24/24111153/boston-college-mens-basketballs-season-ends-77-70-to-unlvCurran Schestag2024-03-24T21:00:00-04:002024-03-24T21:00:00-04:00Gamethread: Boston College Men’s Basketball vs UNLV
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: ACC Conference Tournament Quarterfinal-Boston College vs Virginia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vtyT72JLHkJam39PTa6JUq19W1A=/0x0:2670x1780/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73230318/usa_today_22788591.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="2Jutml">The Eagles are in Las Vegas tonight for their second-round <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nit-tournament">NIT</a> matchup against UNLV in what should be an interesting game. The Rebels feature a well-balanced roster, with five players averaging in double figures and athletes at every position. However, amongst the six players averaging at least 23 minutes per game, no one is over 6’9 — which will make the team very switchable on defense, but also present Post with some potentially favorable matchups. </p>
<p id="n5HBSS"><strong>Who:</strong> University of Las Vegas Rebels (20-12) vs. <a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com/"><strong>Boston College Eagles</strong></a> (20-15)</p>
<p id="CaROA0"><strong>Where:</strong> Dollar Loan Center, Las Vegas, NV</p>
<p id="Z398kv"><strong>When: </strong>Sunday March 24th, 2024</p>
<p id="7uuW10"><strong>Tip-Off Time:</strong> 9:30pm ET</p>
<p id="DsZBV6"><strong>How to Watch:</strong> Today’s game will be <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/61c896d6-c13d-44d4-bc78-abddcab92756"><strong>streamed and broadcasted live on ESPNU</strong></a></p>
<p id="iFjjUk"><strong>How to Follow:</strong> Follow the game on X (Twitter) by checking in with our live coverage at <a href="https://twitter.com/bcinterruption"><strong>@bcinterruption</strong></a></p>
<p id="ft5asm">We’ll see you at 9:30.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/3/24/24110796/gamethread-boston-college-mens-basketball-vs-unlvCurran Schestag2024-03-11T08:00:00-04:002024-03-11T08:00:00-04:00Boston College Men’s Basketball: ACC Tournament Preview
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Boston College at Louisville" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LD3toc3Q4G_Ti7dNhgUbHth_qRA=/0x695:2383x2284/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73197466/usa_today_22737851.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>This is March.</p> <p id="2j7P8v"> The stage is set: the Eagles’ path forward in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a> kicks off on Tuesday in Washington, D.C. As the 11-seed, they take on Miami at 7pm on March 12. Should they advance, they would play Clemson on the 13th, followed by UVA on the 14th. Thereafter, the Eagles’ bracket merges with that of Duke, providing a number of possible semifinal matchups. Let’s break it down:</p>
<p id="Oiz6eJ"> The first-round matchup with Miami provides an interesting challenge. On one hand, BC swept them in the regular season, going 2-0 and beating them as recently as last week. On the other hand, beating any team three times at this level is incredibly hard to do, and with a veteran coach in Jim Larrañaga on the bench it only increases the difficulty of BC’s task. Interestingly, in the first meeting between these teams at Conte Forum, both offenses were firing on all cylinders in a track meet while last week’s contest saw more defensive effort and lower shooting numbers. In the win last weekend, BC did an excellent job of adjusting to slow down Miami’s big man Norchad Omier. He is the key to their offense – his mixture of size, speed, and shooting unlocks Miami’s stable of shotmakers on the wing and in the backcourt (Matthew Cleveland, Wooga Poplar, Nijel Pack and more). Quinten Post primarily took the matchup, and he played a dominant game in limiting Omier to just 10 points. Repeating that performance will be key. Zackery, Harris, and Aligbe/Hand will also need to lock in – those aforementioned wings and guards can create off the bounce. BC will need to come ready on defense.</p>
<p id="gWBP8U"> Offensively, Post (again) is the key. BC found a lot of success with ball screens last week – Post’s inside-out ability is so hard to guard, especially when he is walking into trailer 3s and splashing from the logo. He finished with 19 points on an efficient 8-14 from the floor. Even if he wasn’t the one scoring, his screens allowed Zackery or Harris to get downhill and attack the rim. An underrated aspect of both of their games is their vision in the paint – we have seen a lot of beautiful shovel passes for easy Aligbe or McGlockton weakside dunks this season, and Miami last week was no different. We know BC can get the job done, but it won’t be easy.</p>
<p id="WtP0QI"> The Eagles’ potential second-round matchup features a rematch with Clemson, who spent several weeks ranked and who took out BC in Conte Forum back in early January. However, what makes this potential matchup interesting is that although Clemson did defeat BC, Quinten Post missed the contest. This should go without saying, but they are a completely different team with him. Elijah Strong got the start, played 26 minutes and had 14 points, but ultimately when the tallest guy on the floor is 6’8 it makes it extremely difficult to win. McGlockton was in foul trouble all night, eventually fouling out, Clemson outrebounded the Eagles by 15, and PJ Hall dropped 26 and 11 in Clemson’s victory. With Post in the fold, however, I actually kind of like the matchup for BC. Post will need to be smart with Hall – he simply cannot get into foul trouble (see the season finale at Louisville). Moreover, Hall is simply too good to be silenced. The Eagles just need to contain him and make his life hard. Clemson’s supporting pieces, namely Joe Girard and Chase Hunter, are good but both have limitations. I think Girard will struggle with shot creation with Zackery hounding him all night, and Hunter is a volume shooter (only 42.5% from the floor and 33.3% from 3). </p>
<p id="2M6G9N"> Offensively, this feels like a game where BC will need a lot from Harris. Post will have a major defensive assignment, and though he will of course need to contribute on offense, asking him to be the focal point on both ends of the floor seems like a way to get him tired and into foul trouble. Harris will need to create a lot of looks, whether it is hunting mismatches (I question whether Girard can stick with him 1 on 1?) on the perimeter or finding guys to make shots – Madsen and Zackery in particular. This one is winnable, but it will take a lot to go right.</p>
<p id="TTwqSm"> Let me preface this brief third preview by saying that I think that BC reaching the quarterfinals would be a major win for the program. I know there has been a lot of discourse around the direction of the program and the disappointment that this season has been given the talent on the roster, but 17-15 is a step in the right direction. Adding two more wins – against a top-100 NET team in Miami and Clemson’s 24th-ranked squad – would give the team some tangible momentum heading into the offseason. I think the fact that Grant has elevated the program to the point where a winning record feels disappointing is a sign of progress in itself. Are there causes for concern? Certainly. But a trip to the quarterfinals would be a win.</p>
<p id="1qXdGA"> BC’s opponent in the quarterfinals would be Virginia, who BC lost to in Conte Forum in late February. This was a winnable game for BC – they even held a slim lead in the second half – but they ultimately fell by four as some clutch shooting down the stretch from UVA’s Beekman and McKneely doomed BC. BC’s emphasis needs to be on limiting these two guys, because UVA’s offense hugely relies on them. Beekman is by far the most dangerous threat off the bounce that the Cavaliers possess, and McKneely is simply a sniper. I think if you stick Zackery on Beekman (which he did a good job of in the first game, when he was guarding him) and simply give McKneely zero breathing room, UVA’s offense will struggle. Now, obviously this is easier said than done, but last time out UVA dropped 72 despite averaging merely 63.5 points per game. Limit UVA’s offense and I think Post, Harris and co. can muster enough offense to give BC a recipe to win. </p>
<p id="AjVlQW"> Now, if BC manages to advance, they would play the winner of Duke’s bracket – likely either Duke or Syracuse, with an outside chance of a matchup with <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a>. When the Eagles get there, we’ll have more clarity on what they’ll need to do to advance.</p>
<p id="DvObN9"> One final note: with Chas Kelley’s injury, Grant has begun to seriously shorten the bench. Beyond the starting five of Zackery, Harris, Madsen, McGlockton and Post, only Aligbe and Hand have seen many bench minutes and even then it is down to 10-12 minutes for each. Any run in the Tournament will rely on these starters, but they will be shouldering huge minute loads. I don’t know if Kelley will return at any point, but BC’s lack of depth is a major issue for them. We’ll see you on Tuesday.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/3/11/24096923/boston-college-mens-basketball-acc-tournament-previewCurran Schestag2024-03-10T08:00:00-04:002024-03-10T08:00:00-04:00Boston College Football Finalizes Staff Heading into Spring Practice
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<img alt="Reese’s Senior Bowl" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/t5g7dl8jTzrfpnqpdIyxKaFDC_E=/0x22:3000x2022/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73195731/911145042.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="1gQTKL">On Thursday, Boston College announced Bill O’Brien’s first staff on the Heights. O’Brien found a good mixture of “his guys,” up-and-coming coaches, and continuity by maintaining a few key assistants from Hafley’s staff. In addition to the announced staff, which mainly consisted of on-field roles, reports on Saturday indicated an intriguing new member filling an advisory role to O’Brien in Doug Marrone. Berj Najarian was also confirmed as the new chief of staff for the Eagles.</p>
<p id="OiP5b6"> Offensively, BC brought in former Patriots tight ends coach Will Lawing to serve as Offensive Coordinator. He has been coaching with O’Brien since the latter’s days as the head coach of the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a>, following him from there to Alabama to New England. Ultimately, this offense will be O’Brien’s, but it will be interesting to see who actually calls the offense. Savon Huggins (RBs), Matt Applebaum (OL), and Darrell Wyatt (WRs) were all retained – something that is probably a welcome sight for BC fans. Huggins helped mold Pat Garwo into a 1,000 yard rusher, and was instrumental in the emergence of BC’s power ground game behind Kye Robichaux last year. Applebaum returned to the Heights from a one-year stint in the NFL, and (boosted by the return of Christian Mahogany and an influx of transfer portal talent) completely transformed BC’s offensive line. Lastly, Wyatt returns as a primary recruiter and adds the title of Assistant Head Coach. Jonathan DiBiaso, who was an offensive analyst at BC last year, was promoted to QBs coach as well, and he has been a very active recruiter in these early stages of O’Brien’s regime. </p>
<p id="Jqjaft"> On the defensive side of the ball, in steps Tim Lewis to helm the Eagles’ defense. A former NFL defensive coordinator, he most recently saw action in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/xfl-football">XFL</a>. His hire was perhaps a bit confusing considering his lack of recent NFL or college experience, as well as a lack of connection to BC. However, given O’Brien’s obvious offensive background his DC position is an extremely important position, and until proven otherwise Lewis deserves the benefit of the doubt. Jeff Commissiong returns to the Heights (where he coached from 2007-2012) by way of Cornell, where he spent the last three seasons as the LBs coach. Ray Brown, another very active recruiter, arrives from WSU to coach DBs in a positive hire – WSU has fielded some strong secondary units, and hopefully Brown can do the same at BC. Dan O’Brien – Tom O’Brien’s son – will coach LBs, while Matt Thurin was retained as Special Teams Coordinator. </p>
<p id="nu14Rc"> In addition to these roles, Pete Thamel reported on Saturday that former Jacksonville and Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone will be joining the Eagle’s staff, likely in an advisory role. With spring practices starting on Monday, it is full steam ahead for BC Football.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/3/10/24095785/boston-college-football-finalizes-staff-heading-into-spring-practiceCurran Schestag2024-03-05T12:00:00-05:002024-03-05T12:00:00-05:00Preview: Boston College Men’s Basketball vs Miami
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Pittsburgh at Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Jz9AUAwfWhX6ky0geXu8ulht_iE=/0x0:4024x2683/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73183974/usa_today_22677602.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="Yd8Qw2"><strong>Who: </strong><a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com">Boston College Eagles</a> (15-14, 6-12 ACC) vs. <a href="https://www.stateoftheu.com">Miami Hurricanes</a> (15-14, 6-12 ACC)</p>
<p id="TJ9IlY"><strong>When: </strong>Wednesday, March 6th @ 7pm</p>
<p id="z7S1FO"><strong>Where: </strong>Watsco Center, Coral Gables, FL</p>
<p id="oMhyL5"><strong>How to Watch: </strong>The game will be broadcast on ESPNU</p>
<p id="HOKo7b"> Both teams are amongst, if not the most, disappointing squads in the ACC this season and both have collapsed down the stretch. For Boston College, they enter Wednesday’s contest having lost four straight (with their last win coming against this Miami squad in Chestnut Hill). In that stretch, they have given up 84, 81, 72, and 90 points, respectively — with the 72 coming against singularly offensively inept Virginia. Giving up 90 points to Pitt, at home on Senior Night, and in spite of a 30-point performance from Quinten Post, screamed that the team has given up. How they show up in Coral Gables will be interesting to see, with essentially nothing left to play for this season.</p>
<p id="zuij11"> As disappointing as Boston College has been, Miami has arguably been worse. After last year’s run to the Final Four, Miami has fallen off a cliff. Yes, they lost catalysts Isaiah Wong and Jordan Miller, but with Nigel Pack, Wooga Poplar, and Norchad Omier returning, many thought Miami would compete for a tournament spot this year. Not so. Miami limps into this one having lost seven in a row. Nigel Pack has not played since February 14th, and despite the Omier-led offense averaging 76.8 PPG, Miami has struggled significantly on the defensive end of the floor. </p>
<p id="FbS3aC"> Last time out, Miami’s weave offense gave BC’s (already questionable) perimeter defense significant fits. Omier is comfortable shooting 3s, and he drilled a couple open looks as BC got lost guarding the flurry of dribble handoffs. Grant went briefly to a zone, which gave the Eagles a boost and helped them to pull away. How the Eagles show up defensively will determine this one, because BC’s offense will be able to score. </p>
<p id="x3HrFW">We’ll see you tomorrow at 7. </p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/3/5/24091323/preview-boston-college-mens-basketball-vs-miamiCurran Schestag2024-02-28T23:08:09-05:002024-02-28T23:08:09-05:00Boston College Men’s Basketball Blows Second Half Lead, Falls 72-68 to Virginia
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Virginia at Boston College" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zyrvCVYiXC3AWWOvsopk3iro4xg=/0x1:4653x3103/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73172086/usa_today_22648184.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="VcBYZU">In a late-night matchup, Boston College hung with UVA but couldn’t hold a late second-half lead, falling 72-68.</p>
<p id="X3u2ry"> To no one’s surprise, offense was hard to come by in the game’s early stages. Quinten Post got the Eagles on the board with a driving layup three minutes into the contest, but they were the only BC points in the first six and half minutes of the game. Virginia is not going to win a track meet with anybody, but with sniper Isaac McKneely and dynamic guard Reece Beekman driving the offense they pulled ahead 9-2 at the first media timeout. Mason Madsen snapped an 0-3 start with a catch-and-shoot trey and Zackery drew a foul following a Virginia miss, but BC definitely faced shot creation issues in their half court offense. Virginia was aggressive in hedging the pick and roll, and with BC’s issues with offense off the bounce BC struggled to consistently generate good looks. </p>
<p id="ojEuWy"> Defensively, with Beekman out of the game halfway through the first half the Eagles found some traction. They pulled within six at the 9:15 mark, and a Jaeden Zackery triple a minute later brought them within two. UVA found a bit of rhythm with some perimeter shooting, while Harris and Zackery started finding success in 1v1 situations – Harris had two tough buckets backing down his man, while Zackery bullied his way to the rack against his smaller defender for a tough 2. Grant rode a lineup of Zackery, Harris, Madsen, Aligbe, and Post for a good four-minute stretch towards the end of the first half, and initially the dribble-handoffs, pindown screens and pick and roll that the Eagles thrive on got Harris, Post, and Zackery some makeable looks. UVA adjusted, getting Beekman back in the game and sagging off of Aligbe (stop me if you’ve heard that before). With two minutes left in the first half, Harris collided with someone along the baseline and had to leave the game (though he stayed on the bench). Madsen found McGlockton for a nice layup, but UVA took a 27-23 lead into halftime.</p>
<p id="0bMuEE"> Harris came out of halftime and canned a triple, but UVA immediately answered right back with one of their own. BC’s offense seemed out of rhythm to start the half, passing around the perimeter but with very little off ball-movement and some forced perimeter shots. This allowed UVA to push their lead to eight, but a tough Zackery and-1 got it back down to five and breathed some life into the Eagles’ offense. Post finally got a triple to fall after missing his first three, Zackery found McGlockton up top for a tip-in alley oop, and then QP tossed it up to McGlockton again for a thunderous slam. UVA called timeout to halt the 7-0 run, which saw the Eagles take the lead 40-39 at the 12:51 with Conte rocking.</p>
<p id="V2nG2y"> Out of the timeout, UVA quickly responded with FTs and a big dunk of their own to take a three point lead back. Post hit two FTs to bring it back to one, and each team started to settle in offensively. McGlockton finished a nice and-1 to tie the game at 45. Even with all of McGlockton, Aligbe, and Post on the floor, UVA started crashing the offensive glass much more aggressively. They reeled in several halfway through the second half to cash in on some second-chance points, but at the 8-minute mark the Eagles forced some stops, ran out in transition, and finished at the rack. Zackery, in particular, got a tough runner to fall that looked like it was below the rim when he shot it. On the ensuing possession, Aligbe blew up a passing lane and finished at the rack to get the crowd engaged and give the Eagles a 51-48 lead with 7:46 to play. </p>
<p id="1tvxcd"> Of course, McKneely responded immediately with back-to-back triples to give the Hoos a 3-point lead. McGlockton got a good look out of the midrange, but could not connect, and UVA hit another triple to push the lead to six. McGlockton picked up his fourth personal, stayed in the game, and then fouled out on the next possession after a bad Madsen turnover. BC looked desperate and rattled on offense, and UVA hit a triple with 3:34 to put them up 8. Post hit five straight FTs (sandwiched around one make for UVA) to bring the Eagles within 4 with 2:30 to go and just keep hope alive but four points from Reece Beekman all but sealed it. Of course, BC kept hope alive with a Mason Madsen and-1 to make it a 3-point game with 30 seconds to play, but BC (despite taking a timeout) could not even run a semblance of a play. Despite a decent effort, BC fell 72-68. </p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/2/28/24086343/boston-college-mens-basketball-blows-second-half-lead-falls-72-68-to-virginiaCurran Schestag2024-02-28T20:30:00-05:002024-02-28T20:30:00-05:00Gamethread: UVA vs Boston College Men’s Basketball
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Boston College at Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/T74qKABumtyFH2jUHopCF-SVNw8=/0x65:3828x2617/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73171942/usa_today_22572031.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="n5HBSS">Boston College returns home from its road trip to take on the Virginia Cavaliers tonight. Despite the Eagles’ rough week on the road, losing at both FSU and NC State, and despite the Hoos being ranked as recently as a week and a half ago, Boston College is a -1.5 favorite. Tune in at 9pm for coverage! </p>
<p id="xFUGuE"><strong>Who:</strong> Virginia Cavaliers (20-8, 11-6 ACC) vs. <a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com/"><strong>Boston College Eagles</strong></a> (15-12, 6-10 ACC)</p>
<p id="CaROA0"><strong>Where:</strong> Conte Forum, Chestnut Hill, MA</p>
<p id="Z398kv"><strong>When: </strong>Wednesday, February 28th</p>
<p id="7uuW10"><strong>Tip-Off Time:</strong> 9pm ET</p>
<p id="DsZBV6"><strong>How to Watch:</strong> Today’s game will be <a href="https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/bd95e9f7-4a05-482b-b38a-0527a294f356"><strong>streamed and broadcasted live on ESPN U</strong></a></p>
<p id="iFjjUk"><strong>How to Follow:</strong> Follow the game on X (Twitter) by checking in with our live coverage at <a href="https://twitter.com/bcinterruption"><strong>@bcinterruption</strong></a></p>
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https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/2/28/24085624/gamethread-uva-vs-boston-college-mens-basketballCurran Schestag2024-02-23T08:00:00-05:002024-02-23T08:00:00-05:00Preview: Boston College Men’s Basketball vs NC State
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Boston College at Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kWBPIm7GM18o5ViCWa0HupigZ9E=/0x50:3144x2146/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73158854/usa_today_22572069.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="FgPJcA">Boston College is once again on the road this week, visiting the <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com">NC State Wolfpack</a> in Raleigh and looking to avenge the OT loss the Pack handed the Eagles in Conte Forum. The Eagles are struggling for consistency now, looking to avoid playing on Tuesday in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/acc-basketball-tournament">ACC Tournament</a>.</p>
<p id="L9Nqux"><strong>Who: </strong><a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com">Boston College Eagles</a> (15-11, 6-9 ACC) vs. <a href="https://www.backingthepack.com/">NC State</a> Wolfpack (16-10, 8-7 ACC)</p>
<p id="eZZi8t"><strong>Where: </strong>PNC Arena, Raleigh, NC</p>
<p id="npXaPg"><strong>When: </strong>Saturday, 2/24 at 2pm</p>
<p id="2woDrS"><strong>How to Watch: </strong>The game will be broadcast on the ACCN.</p>
<p id="7RfQEL"><strong>How to Follow: </strong>Follow the game on X (Twitter) for updates from @bcmbb and @bcinterruption</p>
<p id="4YxrFz">After taking down Miami at home, the Eagles were looking to find some momentum down the stretch of the regular season but dropped a 84-76 decision to FSU last time out. Offensively, the Eagles have been able to put up points. Mason Madsen has a five-game streak of double-digit points since joining the starting group, shooting 48% from downtown in that stretch. Devin McGlockton was a perfect 5-5 from the floor for 13 points against FSU, while Jaeden Zackery hit all three of his triples en route to 19 points. The issue has been defense — in their last three games, BC’s opponents scored 77, 77, and 84. NC State comes into this one averaging 75.8 points per game, and will be playing hard after erasing a 15-point halftime deficit to Syracuse before falling by four points. The keys for the Eagles here? Take care of the ball and do not foul. Led by big man DJ Burns, (who had 17 the last time these teams met), the Wolfpack will look to use their size as an advantage, get to the free throw line, and get the Eagles in foul trouble. Playing clean defense will be key. On the other end of the floor, NC State averages almost eight steals per game. BC scored 78 points against the Wolfpack in their first meeting — making sure the Eagles take care of the ball, prevent turnovers and limit NC State’s offensive possessions will be important.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/2/23/24079274/preview-boston-college-mens-basketball-vs-nc-stateCurran Schestag2024-02-22T16:17:36-05:002024-02-22T16:17:36-05:00Boston College Football Adds Berj Najarian, Former Patriots Director of Football, to Staff
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<figcaption>Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>O’Brien continues to build.</p> <p id="S6jb9q">New head coach Bill O’Brien continues to fill out his staff, as Pete Thamel reported today that Berj Najarian is expected to join O’Brien at Boston College. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sources: Boston College is expected to hire Berj Najarian as the chief of staff for the football program. He spent the last 24 years with the New England Patriots, working a majority of that time as the director of football/head coach administration.</p>— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeteThamel/status/1760662247423037665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a>
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<p id="YOe1vg">Najarian has spent the last 24 years with the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>, primarily in Director of Football and Head Coach Administration roles. He is widely reported to be very close with Bill Belichick, with the two having won six Super Bowls together. O’Brien worked with Najarian in both of his stints on the Patriots, and described Najarian as “the consigliere of the New England Patriots.” </p>
<p id="NXFdUv">Najarian will fill the role of chief of staff at BC, and his hiring signifies Boston College’s commitment to providing O’Brien with the resources he needs to build a competitive staff. Exciting times for football on the Heights.</p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/2/22/24080420/boston-college-football-adds-berj-najarian-former-patriots-director-of-football-to-staffCurran Schestag2024-02-20T21:15:21-05:002024-02-20T21:15:21-05:00Boston College Men’s Basketball Loses, 84-76, to Florida State
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<img alt="NCAA Basketball: Boston College at Florida State" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8iHVafT5u_2ddzVlpMyQXjPpA5g=/0x689:2244x2185/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/73153179/usa_today_22571231.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="3rzT7m">On Tuesday night, Boston College lost a winnable matchup against <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>.</p>
<p id="SUZ287"> Both offenses were in rhythm in the first couple minutes of the contest, with Mason Madsen canning two early treys to continue his scorching shooting. No one was able to get a stop – despite the Seminoles forcing a late shot clock, Zackery hit a really difficult midrange fadeaway, emblematic of the way both teams were shooting the ball early on. Almost five minutes had elapsed before either side missed a field goal. The Noles were without top shooter Darin Green Jr., but his loss was not felt early on as FSU looked to get to the rack, attacking Quinten Post. For the Eagles, some excellent ball movement found shooters with space. That is a recipe for success for this team, as BC hit three of their first four triples to put up some points in a hurry. </p>
<p id="WJfTlf"> Coming out of the first media timeout, the offense continued to work beautifully – Zackery found a lot of space off of a nice pindown to cash in yet another trey and then made a nice cut to beat his man to rack for another two points. Defensively, the Eagles continued to switch a lot of perimeter looks – similar to the first half of the Miami game – with FSU drawing some early fouls. Around the 13 minute mark, however, some bad decisions started to creep into the Eagles offense. Post turned the ball over, as did Kelly, allowing FSU to take a 19-18 lead. BC’s star big man made up for the mistake with an aggressive drive for two FTs. Grant, looking for some defense, threw a press look at FSU, but Jalen Warley broke it easily and got to the rack regardless. Both teams continued to trade buckets, with Post finishing through contact for the three-point play. </p>
<p id="bBDF7L"> With Kelley, Aligbe, and Hand on the floor, Grant utilized a 2-2-1 zone press to throw FSU off, and it worked in forcing back-to-back turnovers from FSU. Zackery was able to connect yet again from downtown, giving the Eagles a one-possession lead. Unfortunately, the defensive upside came at the cost of some ball movement resulting in an ugly, forced take from Donald Hand and allowing FSU to draw within one point again. Immediately after, Harris forced an entry pass to Mighty and turned the ball over, allowing FSU to connect on a triple to take a two-point lead. Another Eagles turnover, this time from Mighty, allowed FSU to get out in transition and convert an and-1 layup. </p>
<p id="PZeZfI"> Grant responded by putting in the starters. Harris instantly found McGlockton (man, their two-man game can be very pretty) for an answering and-1 bucket. However, Harris was forced to take a seat for the last six minutes of the first half after picking up his second foul. Madsen found himself alone eight feet from the basket for an easy floater to briefly tie the game, but then on the next possession he turned the ball over. FSU averages over nine steals a game, and they were aggressive in turning the Eagles over – forcing seven in the first half. Ultimately, the Eagles went into halftime tied at 43 after a Claudell buzzer beater. The offense was, for the most part, working smoothly and the Eagles came out ready to play. The keys were taking care of the ball and finding a way to get some stops defensively.</p>
<p id="gBcvXC"> With the possession arrow favoring BC to start the second half, Zackery turned the ball over. Luckily the Eagles grabbed a stop (after conceding multiple offensive rebounds) and Harris got to the rack for a smooth finish. FSU hit a triple, restoring their lead, before pushing it to three points via a lay-in. Harris hit a logo triple to tie the game, but ultimately the first few minutes of the second half felt just like the first half: hot BC shooting and ball movement keeping the Eagles offense going, but fouls and turnovers allowing FSU to stay right with them. The fouls soon began to catch up with BC: less than six minutes into the second half, both Zackery and Harris had picked up their third personals. Kelley checked in for Harris, turned the ball over, and then committed another foul. Neither team could find any separation, and with Kelley in the game BC’s offense struggled – except for Madsen, who canned his fourth three of the game to tie the game at 58. The Eagles would take a one-point lead courtesy of a Post and-1 bucket, putting the Eagles up 61-60 with 10 minutes to play. </p>
<p id="drhOIr"> It would not last, as BC committed back-to-back turnovers which resulted in an FSU triple and an and-1 bucket. Within a minute the Eagles had turned a lead into a 7-point deficit. Down the stretch, the Seminoles were able to maintain their lead. A triple with 5:34 to play pushed the lead to 9. With 4:45 to play, Madsen missed a midrange before the Eagles did not get back on defense, allowing FSU to attack in transition and push the lead to double digits. McGlockton connected on an and-1 bucket to bring the Eagles within 9, but yet more awful defense led to an FSU and-1. Ultimately, the Eagles went on to lose 84-76. The Eagles’ defensive effort simply is not enough to win games. FSU thrives on turnovers and physical transition offense, and the Eagles had no answer. A disappointing effort in Tallahassee. </p>
https://www.bcinterruption.com/2024/2/20/24078834/boston-college-mens-basketball-loses-84-76-in-tallahassee-florida-state-fsu-bc-eagles-acc-standingsCurran Schestag