Boston College Gets Key Road Win at Providence, Prepares for Michigan

On paper, it’s nothing special.

However, for Boston College the 82-77 victory over Providence on Saturday is a key win in the early stages of their schedule.

Rakim Sanders still sits on the sideline with a high ankle sprain, but the other core members of this Eagles’ team had no trouble in racking up stats.

After a rough trip to the Virgin Islands last weekend, Boston College (4-2) responded on the road at Providence ensuring victory before preparing for another tough road test at Michigan.

Following a 1-2 finish at the Paradise Jam tournament, which included losses to St. Joseph’s and Northern Iowa, the Eagles needed to pick up a win against a weakened Providence team.

Reggie Jackson had a career day in front of more than 10,000 fans at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The sophomore racked up a career-high 20 points to go along with a career-best 12 rebounds for the Eagles.

Along with Jackson, Corey Raji added a double-double in his own right, finishing with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while junior Joe Trapani added 19 points and eight rebounds.

The final stats were great for the trio that has stepped up to replace the injured Sanders but the key play came from the other two starters for the Eagles late in the contest.

Trailing 77-75 in the final minute of play, point guard Biko Paris drove and found Josh Southern who converted on an old-fashioned three-point play to put BC ahead.

The Eagles used free throws down the stretch to complete the 82-77 win over the Friars.

The game between the two most highly touted programs in New England has become an annual occasion, and for the Eagles in 2009, their win over Providence could not have come at a better time.

With the win, BC remains above .500 through the first six games, improving to 4-2 overall as they get set to head to Ann Arbor as part of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge.

Michigan (3-2) had a difficult weekend down at the Old Spice Classic, dispatching Creighton behind the fine play of Manny Harris , before dropping back-to-back games against Marquette and Alabama.

It should be a good boost for either team who can secure a victory in the upcoming game.

The tip is set for 7:30 p.m., Wednesday.