Boston College Dominates Glass, Holds Off Miami (FL) in ACC Opener

You usually have to wait until January to watch a couple of ACC teams battle it out. However, for Miami (FL) and Boston College, the time came early this season.

Miami (FL) rolled into Chestnut Hill in early December at 8-0, but the Eagles were able to build up a sizeable second half lead and eventually hold off a late run by Miami.

On paper, the final statistics do not make the best of sense for a game that wrapped up in favor of BC, 61-60.

The Eagles held a dominating advantage on the glass, eventually out-rebounding Miami (FL) 46-21 by the final buzzer, their biggest margin advantage since a 2006 game against New Hampshire.

Boston College built such a sizeable rebounding advantage thanks in large part to 23 offensive rebounds. For a team that finishes with more offensive rebounds than their opponent’s total number of rebounds, you would assume a victory of more than one point.

However, the Eagles struggled to convert on second chance opportunities, finishing the game 20-of-58 from the field overall, a percentage of 34.5.

Miami (FL), on the other hand, shot over 47 percent in the game but were only able to muster 60 points. The Eagles did a great job in limiting the number of second chances for Miami (FL), and the Hurricanes only took a total of six free throws.

Boston College fans eagerly await the return of Rakim Sanders, who dressed and went through pre-game warm-ups but did not see any action. He was possibly used a ploy in an early ACC test or a security blanket should the Eagles struggle.

The Eagles did not need Sanders in handing the Hurricanes their first loss of the young season, getting contributions of 18 and 17 points by Reggie Jackson and Corey Raji, respectively.

Joe Trapani had a rough day, finishing with five points on 1-of-13 shooting.

For Boston College, an early ACC win gives them more than enough confidence, streaking with three consecutive wins over Providence, Michigan, and now Miami (FL).

The Eagles now prepare for a Wednesday matchup with an improving Harvard team. The Eagles put themselves on the map last season after winning on the road over North Carolina before dropping their next game at the hands of Harvard.

Al Skinner will look to make sure BC does not make the same mistake this time around.

Boston College (6-2) and Harvard (6-2) will tip on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 7:00PM.