As Boston College gears up to face the SMU Mustangs at Moody Coliseum, they're not just battling a formidable opponent but also aiming to snap a tough seven-game losing streak. With the potential return of Donald Hand Jr., the Eagles are hoping for a spark to turn their season around.
Game Details:
- Tip-Off: 4:00 PM
- Location: Moody Coliseum, Dallas, TX
- Watch: ACC Network
- Listen: Boston College Sports Network (BCEagles.com Web-only broadcast)
Odds and Predictions: ESPN gives SMU a commanding 93.7% win probability, with the betting line favoring the Mustangs by 16.5 points. It’s a steep hill for Boston College, but stranger things have happened in college hoops.
Coach's Corner: Head Coach Earl Grant expressed the team's frustration after a recent heartbreaker against Florida State, where BC let a 14-point lead slip away.
"We played great basketball for a long period, but we didn't finish," Grant noted. It's a learning curve, and the team is eager to translate preparation into victory.
Historical Context: This matchup marks the third meeting between the two teams, with SMU leading the series 2-0. Their first encounter dates back to 1986 in Tokyo, and last season, SMU dominated 103-77.
Recent Performance: Boston College showed promise against Florida State, building a significant lead before succumbing to a 35-13 run by the Seminoles. Fred Payne delivered a strong performance with 22 points, but BC struggled at the free-throw line, a critical factor in their 80-72 defeat.
Injury Update: The potential return of Donald Hand Jr. is a beacon of hope for BC fans.
Listed as questionable after a knee injury, his presence could bolster the Eagles' newfound offensive rhythm. Before his injury, Hand was averaging 15.8 points per game on 44% shooting.
Scouting SMU: The Mustangs, with an 18-8 record, are led by Coach Andy Enfield, famous for his Cinderella run with Florida Gulf Coast.
SMU boasts a high-scoring offense, averaging 86.5 points per game, while their defense allows 77.8 points. Kevin Miller, their standout guard, is a key player to watch, contributing 19 points and nearly seven assists per game.
As the Eagles take the court, they'll need to channel resilience and seize every opportunity to defy the odds against a strong SMU squad.