Boston College Pulls It Out Against the Clemson Tigers 75-68, Getting Second Win In ACC
By Kyle Egan
February 2, 2013; Chestnut Hill, MA USA; Boston College Eagles guard Olivier Hanlan (21) drives to the basket while being defended by Clemson Tigers center Landry Nnoko (35) during the first half at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
The Eagles were in cruise control for most of the game, but when it came to crunch time, the Eagles’ old time tendencies were almost fatal. However, Boston College was able to grind out their second ACC victory against the Clemson Tigers by a score of 75 to 68.
The beginning of the game almost sent back the game of basketball 50 years. For the first 2:43 of the game, neither team was able to put the rock in the basket until BC guard Joe Rahon hit a layup. And until 4:14, Clemson had scored a point, getting two swishes from the charity stripe on behalf of Milton Jennings.
Clemson’s offensive struggles were the focal point of Boston College’s initial surge as they missed their first 6 shots on the floor, not scoring a field goal for over six minutes until Devin Booker, brother of Washington Wizards power forward and Clemson alumni Trevor Booker, rolled in a layup to cut the Boston College early lead to 10-4.
Even with the inability to get the ball in the basket, Clemson was able to outmuscle the Eagles for rebounds as if they were the cast of the Big Bang Theory. By the end of the game the Tigers got 33 boards to BC’s 20. To make the size advantage more clear, the Tigers grabbed 13 offensive rebounds to 4 of the opposition. But the Tigers were not able to capitalize on their huge advantage, as their tip shots were off balance and hardly went back in. It’s amazing that Boston College can be so overmatched yet find a way to get the victory.
Probably the biggest story of the afternoon matinee was freshman point guard Joe Rahon’s brilliant shooting day. After only being able to attempt four shots against the UNC Tar Heels on Tuesday, the California native went 9 for 12 from the floor with 6 three pointers and 4 rebounds and assists, ending his day with 26 points. His astounding shooting electrified the Superfans in Conte Forum, whose size more represented a PTA meeting than an ACC crowd.
Continuing their hot start in the game, Boston College was able to extend their lead to nineteen points with 8:47 to go. But then the Eagles let their guard down as the Tigers clawed their way back, cutting the lead to one on an Adonis Filer three with 1:41 to go. The Clemson faithful, who made the trip to Chestnut Hill were being heard cheering loudly as the Tigers went back on defense, but became quieter as Ryan Anderson got a clutch layup on an assist from Joe Rahon.
Lonnie Jackson’s four free throws, which BC was only 12 for 24 on, combined with Joe Rahon getting his own rebound and layup on a missed layup sealed the deal for the Eagles in their second ACC victory.
Boston College moves to 10-11 overall(2-6 ACC) on the strong performances of Joe Rahon and Eddie Odio, who really cemented his spot in the starting lineup in the place of Patrick Heckmann. The Eagles will play next at #14 Miami on Tuesday as they attempt to avenge their 60-59 home loss on January 16th. Can Boston College pull out the upset, considering their win today against Clemson? Comment below.
P.S. Coach Donahue Angry Face
February 2, 2013; Chestnut Hill, MA USA; Boston College Eagles head coach Steve Donahue during the second half against the Clemson Tigers at Silvio O. Conte Forum. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
