Tech Blitz

Conte Forum was rockin' on Sunday when the Eagles christened the new gold jerseys. The critical ACC match-up inspired BC ticket holders to show up as ACC fans, and the players fed off the energy in the 80-59 rout of #18 Virginia Tech.

Following the Hartford game, I spent a lot of time recently discussing the individual performances, and today told a similar story. Dudley and Rice played out of their minds. Watching each of these guys play is a real treat. Marshall, Haynes, Spears, Roche, and Blair all had solid games. The reserves have really stepped it up to give the roster-starved Eagles some consistant depth. And unfortunately, Oates could not shake his funk, and was a liability on both ends of the floor...

There are a couple of key take-aways from the game:

1. The Eagles effectively managed the clock in the second half. After building a commanding lead, the Eagles conscioiusly utilized the full 35 seconds on each possession. The Hokies, who adopted a full court press, were relentless in trying to speed up the tempo of the game. The Eagles could have easily buckled when the athletic Virginia Tech team began getting out on the break and flushing high-flying dunks. Rice and Co., unphased, set up the offense and squandered any momentum that started to build. This is a stark contrast from the beginning of the season.

2. The Eagles played well when Dudley was forced onto the bench. With three fouls in the first fourteen minutes, Jared headed to the bench and the question was posed: How would the Eagles respond? Over the next 7:16, Tyrese Rice oversaw the floor and guided the Eagles to a 47-26 halftime lead. Four or five games ago, I think this would have been a disaster. Now, the Eagles are equipped with the confidence to compete, even in adverse conditions.

3. Tyler Roche got some big game experience. From here on out, the ACC schedule is unforgiving, and every game is on the big stage. Coming from a background of New Hampshire high school gyms, Tyler navigated the uncharted waters with confidence. When the kid is not scoring, he is getting back on defense, putting his hands in the passing lanes, and rebounding the basketball. Roche has proven he belongs.

4. BC fans came out strong today, but they still have a few lessons to learn. At one point, students began a "Blair" chant, as John Oates struggled. I am not an Oates fan, but fans cannot cheer against their own players. Before and after the game, fans can debate who should be out there. Come game time, it is Skinner's decision who plays, and the hometown team deserves a hometown crowd. Secondly, I was deeply perturbed by the "Eagle Fans" that began filling the aisles to leave with three minutes left. Stay for the whole game...

Tech was ranked in the Top 25 for the first time in a decade, but BC looked determined to make their stay short-lived. Will the Eagles be featured when the new polls come out? They stare down the ACC rankings at four Top 25 teams, and their case is becoming more convincing.

As time expired, SuperFans chanted "We want Duke! We want Duke!," a team coming to town on February 14th. There is a lot of basketball to be played before then, however. Next week, BC packs it up and heads to Florida, eager to do battle with the Miami and Florida State. With a very difficult conference schedule remaining, the Eagles hope to build a lead in the fierce ACC and bolster a resume that is beginning to look NCAA-worthy.