Boston College men’s basketball enters Tuesday’s contest against Pittsburgh (8-18, 0-13 Atlantic Coast) rejuvenated by a spectacular come-from-behind victory over No. 25 Miami. Now, the Eagles look to further make their case for an invitation to the NCAA Tournament with another conference win over the reeling Panthers, who will attempt to finally bring an end to their dire 13-game losing streak.
Who is BC playing?
Pittsburgh
When is BC playing?
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
Where is BC playing?
Petersen Events Center, Pittsburgh, Pa.
How to Watch:
The game will be streamed live on ESPN NEWS, which is available on watchESPN.com, as well as the ESPN app. The game will also be broadcasted on the WEEI 850 AM radio station.
By the Numbers:
BC:
1) Junior guard Jerome Robinson was recently named ACC Player of The Week, having averaged 37.5 points, three rebounds, one assist, and one steal in BC’s games versus Notre Dame and Miami.
2) Ky Bowman has seen the floor the most out of any Eagle this year, logging 37.8 minutes per game.
3) Saturday’s two-point triumph over Miami was BC’s smallest winning margin of the season.
Pittsburgh:
1) Pittsburgh’s loss to Louisville last Sunday saw the Cardinals shoot a season-high 63.0 percent from the field.
2) Pittsburgh has started three or more freshmen in its last 16 encounters.
3) The Panthers’ 18 losses this season are tied for the fourth most in their history. The school’s record is 21, and it occurred during the 1976-77 season.
Last Meeting:
Last February, BC dropped an 11-point game to Pittsburgh at home. The Eagles led, 20-14, by the 11:06 mark of the first half, thanks to five points from the then-sophomore Jordan Chatman. However, the Eagles let their lead slip and went into intermission all tied up at 31-31. After the restart, the Panthers upped the ante and went on a 23-9 run, taking the lead to an unassailable 54-40 with just 12:39 left to play. From then on, Pittsburgh maintained at least a six-point lead until the final moments, before ending any hope BC had of mounting a comeback.
BC wins if…
It can keep tabs on Jared Wilson-Frame. The junior is the centerpiece of the Panthers’ offense and has averaged 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and three made 3-pointers per game over the past six contests. Furthermore, he has scored in double figures in five of the past six games. Pittsburgh’s other major offensive weapon, Ryan Luther, is out for the rest of the season with a foot injury, which has made Wilson-Frame Pitt’s go to man. If BC can contain him, it should be able to deal with an offense that has only put up 63 points per game this season.
BC loses if…
It fails to get over its road sickness. Pittsburgh is ranked last in the ACC, but BC’s poor 1-7 away record and the Panthers’ historically strong play at home serve as causes for concern for Eagles fans. Pittsburgh has compiled a 240-49 (.830) record at the Petersen Events Center, including a 142-7 (.953) ledger in non-conference play. Moreover, Pitt is 23-20 (.535) versus teams ranked in the top 25 of the AP Poll at home, with a 14-6 (.700) mark against top-10 teams. Make no mistake, the Eagles can’t be complacent on Tuesday night.
Featured Image by Kyle Bowman / Heights Staff
