BC Basketball: Boston College 54 – University of Virginia 71
Coming into Wednesday’s game, Boston College was riding an undefeated ACC record at home. However, in the first of a vaunted two-game stretch against nationally ranked teams at home, BC was overmatched in every aspect by 16th-ranked University of Virginia as they lost 71-54. The Eagles struggled offensively from the start, even shooting as low as 19% from the field late in the first half. The Cavaliers were effective in stopping the explosive backcourt combination of Ky Bowman and Jerome Robinson, who combined for only 16 points in the game. This team relies heavily on their backcourt to score, so by limiting them, the Cavaliers dared the Eagles to beat them in other ways, which they could not do. Jordan Chatman had a strong game off the bench for the Eagles, scoring 16 points. Connor Tava was the only other BC player in double figures
It was not any better defensively for the Eagles, who allowed 42 points in the first half. Virginia had their way offensively as many players contributed to the scoring efforts. The Eagles just could not get any stops, and as the lead grew, BC just collapsed on both sides of the ball. They even tried a zone late in the first half. While they got it to within 12 early in the second half, Virginia used their talent to pull away from the Eagles. Playing a nationally-ranked team like Virginia shows a need for 40 minutes of consistent basketball. The Eagles were inconsistent throughout the game. They could not get over 40% from the field and Virginia was never below 50%. Virginia had an answer for every BC weapon, and BC could not answer back on defense.
The key to any college basketball upset is for the underdog to keep the game close throughout the game. The Eagles could not keep up with the Cavaliers, and that is usually what happens when the talent gap is that big. Boston College will look for the upset again on Saturday as they square off with the national runner-up from last year, No. 9 North Carolina.
FINAL SCORE: BC-UVA 54-71
(Landon Komishane for wzbcsports)
