Zebra Poaching

Don't get me wrong... I love animals. But after last night's officiating display inside the walls of Conte, I can understand why zebras are an endangered species. 8,500 BC faithful were ready and willing to storm the floor, directing their fists at their favorite whistle-blower.

Mis-calls. No-calls. A genuine misunderstanding of how the game should be governed. To be honest, by the end of the game, I would emphatically disagree if the referee announced there were seven continents... it was that bad. I cannot place the blame squarely on the shoulders of the officials, however. Gary Williams was barking at in the refs ears since the opening minute, when leading-scorer DJ Strawberry picked up two fouls in 44 seconds. Here's to Jared Dudley, and the basketball IQ that has Mensa drooling.

In the closing minutes of the game, as the shot clock wound down, Jared stepped back beyond the arc, got his defender into the air and drew a critical foul at a time when BC was struggling to get the ball in the hoop. After the whistle for the foul sounded, Jared immediately pointed to his head, referencing his presence of mind at the game's critical juncture.

With his performance, Jared entered the top-ten on BC's all time scoring list (1,654 points), passing Michael Adams.

Boston College held Maryland to a whopping 24-62 (.387) from the field, due largely to "Big Time" Sean Williams in the paint. Rather than shooting, it seemed as if Maryland players volleyball teammates, setting Sean up for the kill. Williams would effortlessly leap into the air, dodging the rafters of Conte while swatting shots with the frequency of an ultrasound. It was remarkable.

As well as the team performed yesterday on the court, there are a few noteworthy concerns. First and foremost, we need to be more proficient in breaking the press. Turnovers plagued us in the back court, and our entry passes into the post were lazy. Given the emotion that BC brought to the floor last night, it is hard to find fault with the performance.

The "fans," however," are in desperate need of some tough love. As the final few minutes began to tick away, yellow shirts began heading to the door. Excuse my language, but that is bullshit. As hard as our boys played on the court, they deserve your support until the final buzzer sounds.

People often justify their early exit by traffic, etc. Would that be a concern if it was a one point game. I didn't think so. What do you gain by leaving 25 seconds early, when TV timeouts give our cheerleaders a chance to embarrass themselves for multiple 3-minute songs.

You wonder why we had trouble shooting free throws in the last minute. The players were distracted by their supporting cast abandoning them on the floor. I could go on, but I will leave you with this:

The Boston College Eagles proved last night that they can compete with the best of the ACC. Moving forward, I challenge you all to be at each game by tip-off, and to remain in place until the very end. Support our team when we win, and when we lose. In addition to being great athletes, these players are kids too, deserving of your support in good times and bad. Stop being so damn selfish, and be a real fan.

Sacred Heart next...