The Eagles have received a high level of production from freshmen Olivier Hanlan and Joe Rahon all year. Wednesday night was no different as Hanlan poured in 17 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals while Rahon had 9 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals. Perhaps what was most impressive about the freshmen was how many big plays that they had in the closing minutes of the game. Not only were they all important plays, but all of the plays were aggressive plays and meant to close out VT and put them away. Both freshmen displayed a killer instinct that isn't found in most young players. Here's what I'm talking about.

61-58 BC-Rahon pick up a loose ball on the defensive end and makes a great down court pass to Anderson. Rahon made the pass from 5 feet behind his own free throw line to Anderson who received the pass in-stride and with one step was already at the VT 3 point line.

63-58 BC- Hanlan takes it to the rim and misses, but gets his own rebound and scores.

69-62 BC-With 16 on the shot clock, Hanlan takes ball from left wing and drives to the hoop over his defender for a layup

71-63 BC- Hanlan steals ball at his own free throw line and takes off coast-to-coast and gets fouled. Hits 2 free throws from the line

Need to Keep Momentum Going

BC did not win one true road game last season. This year the Eagles have already won two true road games, and will look for their second road win in a row against Wake Forest on Saturday.

The Demon Deacons have been playing pretty well lately aside from a blowout loss at Cameron Indoor. Since mid-December WF is 4-1, and has wins over Virginia and Xavier. According to RPI numbers, if WF beat BC it would be its best win of the year. The Eagles have a RPI rating of 101 at the moment, and the highest ranked RPI team which WF beat was Xavier ranked 129.

Even though the Demon Deacons have been playing well lately this is still a game that the Eagles need to come away with, even on the road. Donahue has his team playing well and if they are going to turn the corner then they need to beat the weak teams in the ACC, even on the road.

BC has a tough stretch coming up as it has home games against Miami, UNC, Clemson, and Duke mixed in with road games at Maryland, Virginia, and Miami. There aren't many "expected" wins in that group. The Eagles really need a win Winston-Salem on Saturday and then take care of business against Clemson at home and Maryland or Virginia on the road. Hell the way BC has been playing of late they might even be able to upset a NCAA Tournament team like Miami or UNC at home as well. That would put the team with a 5-5 ACC record heading into early February.


...More... To continue reading this article you must be a member. Sign Up Now for a FREE Trial