GAME RECAP: Boston College 88, Pacific 76

Boston College started the game off strong as they jumped out to a 6-0 lead and they were been able to score at will in the paint. Early on it looked like Pacific were over-matched as they couldn’t stop Boston College from scoring and they weren’t able to take control of the ball when t hey were on offense (they had three turnovers in the first four minutes). The strong play of Boston College out of the gate allowed them to jump out to a 13-4 lead but the Eagles were unable to put a strangle hold on the game.

Boston College had jumped out to a 22-12 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game but things quickly fell apart for the Eagles and heading into the half Pacific seemed to have wrestled control of the game from Boston College thanks to a 20-12 run. The Eagles weren’t fighting for the ball in the post, they were lethargic with their passes and their shooting had turned ice cold. Boston College ended the first half mired in a shooting slump as they went through a six minutes stretch late in the half where they only made one field goal.

BC started off second half with 7-0 run and enjoyed a large lead for the first part of the second half. Once again Boston College got too comfortable and allowed Pac to get back into the game and Pacific to draw to within four two with four minutes left in the game which was fueled by a 15-4 run. With two minutes remaining Boston College woke up from their slumber with the game and their season on the line. Senior guard Louis Hinnant grabbed a board, saved the ball before it went out of bounds and then he fed Smith for a monster dunk. With the game in hand Jared Dudley had a brain fart and fouled Pacific’s Christian Marakar from behind the arc. Why do you foul a jump shooter from behind the arc? Marakar calmly walked to line and hit all three shots to pull Pacific to within one point. Pacific then moved into a full court press trying to get the steal and when that didn’t work Pacific fouled Hinnat who connected on both free throws to extend Boston College’s lead to three. While every fan watching the game was expecting Pacific to shoot a three Michael White made a strong cut to the basket and Johnny Gray hit him with a beautiful pass. The lay-up by White allowed Pacific to pull back to within one point. Pacific fouled freshman Tyrese Rice and he calmly nailed both free throws. Boston College then allowed Marakar to have a wide open three on their next possession - nothing but net to force the game into overtime!

In the initial overtime Mike Webb took over for Pacific. He had three points in regulation time but he nailed back-to-back clutch three’s to give Pacific a six point lead with 2:47 remaining. The three’s by Webb took Boston College out of their game plan as both teams got into a three point shooting contest. Pacific’s Johnny Gray hit a three to push Pac’s lead to five but Dudley nailed a three on Boston College’s next possession to pull the deficit back to within two. With the game winding down Boston College was able to find Smith in the paint. Smith got hacked during a shot attempt where he connected on both shots to force the game into double overtime.

In the second overtime Pacific’s hot shooting from outside the arc became ice cold. They were unable to score from the perimeter or in the paint while Boston College went back to pounding the ball into the paint. Playing with intensity and emotion Boston College was able to throw down some dunks, grab key rebounds and hit their free throws to secure a first round victory.

It’s Craig Smith’s world and Pacific’s just living in it! Boston College’s veteran big man controlled all aspect of the game this afternoon as he ignited his Eagles to a 88 to 76 victory over Pacific. Smith was able to dominate the paint on offense and defense, he grabbed 10 boards and he was able to calm down his teammates. With Boston’s College season on the verge of ending Smith nailed two huge free throw to push the game into the second overtime.

In order for Boston College to advance further into the Tournament they need to play with the same passion that they played with in the second overtime.

Date
Thu 03/16/06, 3:43 pm EST

Source

 * [HoopsAddict.com HoopsAddict.com]