BC only to host Duke and UNC

In a surprise move, Boston College Athletic Director Gene DeFilippo announced yesterday that the men's basketball team will only host two basketball games at Conte Forum in the 2007-2008 season. Those two games will be against Duke and North Carolina, to be aired exclusively on ESPN.

"I believe this move is in the best interests of Boston College, and the great fans we have here at this school," said DeFilippo.

Sources close to the athletic department speculated that the decrease in home games was made in response to complaints by NESN and FSN about the lack of fan support for games they cover.

"Just because we don't have Erin Andrews doesn't mean we have to suffer," said a spokesman for FSN, who asked to remain anonymous.

NESN and FSN threatened to pull their coverage of BC basketball altogether, before DeFilippo intervened.

After a few meetings in March with his assistants, DeFilippo concluded that the school made more money in those two games than the rest of the home games combined, and thus decided to "cut the fat."

BC students began setting up tents outside of Conte Forum last night for both the Duke and North Carolina games, despite the fact that none of them actually had tickets to the game.

"In eight months, once I get those tickets, it'll all be worth it," said one BC freshman, who would not give his name for fear of retribution from his parents. The student planned to live the entire 10 months before the games in his tent outside the arena.

When reached for comment, ESPN analyst Mike Patrick said his company's agreement with BC was designed "to showcase Boston College at its best, when it's getting beat by Duke and North Carolina."

Patrick muttered something to the effect of "I hate BC" before abruptly hanging up the phone.

Both games are scheduled for an 11 p.m. tipoff, to accommodate students interested in "pre-gaming," as well as local residents, who seem to have trouble getting to games with earlier starts.

For each game, the BC marketing office plans to hand out free gold T-shirts to every fan in attendance. In past years, slogans on such shirts have read, "Solid Gold." For the 2007-2008 season, the slogan will read, "Let's Finally Win One of T hese."

The Eagles are currently in negotiations with Duke and North Carolina to discuss if the games can be played in "pick-up" format, with players calling their own fouls.

This would be to prevent what Al Skinner called "interesting" calls from the ACC officials against his team.