Eagles Defeat A-10 Opponent in UMass

The University of Massachusetts welcomed Al Skinner and the BC Eagles to Conte Forum on Wednesday night, as the place was packed with enthused Minutemen. It ultimately did not matter that BC fans were in the minority, as the dropped their in-state foe, 79-67.

The Eagles only held a one-point lead at the half, 26-25. Both teams struggled from the field, especially UMass. It was ugly from the get-go. Many lay-ups and point blank shots were missed. It was also a hack fest. Each team took advantage of the refs who seemingly forgot what a whistle was. It was not the flashiest half, but it was very competitive.

Rakim Sanders showed up from the opening tip Wednesday, and recorded 9 points in the first half. He played a very good all around game, even though he is far from 100%. For UMass, local product Anthony Gurley kept his team in the game all the way. The Newton North alum and Wake Forest transfer was too much for the Eagles all night. He ended up with 25 points.

As the game progressed the Eagles were able to establish a decent lead. They were up by about ten points for a good portion of the second half even though one might have thought they were trailing if the crowd was any indication. The Eagles received solid contributions from several people. They were pretty focused offensively.

Small forward Corey Raji gave a very solid 30 minutes. The junior from Washington Township, New Jersey had an impressive line of 18-7. Assistant Coach Mo Cassara noted that Raji was only at about 70%. His jumper was not falling in the beginning but he stayed with it and warmed up. He and Rakim Sanders had great chemistry in the second half. Sanders found Raji cutting to the basket with firm, accurate bounce passes that led to several easy points for the Eagles.

Fellow junior big man Joe Trapani delivered a similar stat line. He was on the floor for 37 minutes and gave 18-5. Trap hit two threes that were real back breakers for UMass. His first dagger was mid-way through the second half when UMass started to make a run. His ball went around the rim, popped up high off the iron and fell in. It led to a five point swing for the Eagles that dissuaded any Minuteman charge. He then hit a big three with a few minutes to go that pulled the Eagles away for good. While Trapani will not be on any all-star teams for inbounding the ball, he had a much needed quality performance.

My game ball goes to Rakim Sanders however. He played a solid game in all areas, especially considering his health. He contributed 15 points, pulled down some key boards and made some excellent passes. He could be a real star in 2010 with a healthy ankle. He and Reggie Jackson give the Eagles some athleticism that they may have often seen in the past.

Jackson was solid Wednesday. He netted 13 points and grabbed 8 boards. The sophomore had a fabulous tip slam in the second half that matched UMass’ enthusiasm. The place was rockin’ for the boys from Amherst but Jackson quickly quieted them. He also showed off his ability with 1:15 to go. He gave a Sam Young-esque shot fake and then pulled an Allen Iverson-esque cross-over that led to a sweet floater in the lane. While 13 points is relatively modest, his energy was really fantastic.

The Eagles played well enough on offense to win but they are fortunate that UMass forgot how to shoot a basketball. Their defense struggled but they ultimately survived to tell the story. UMass was truly anemic at the foul line, shooting 58.3%. Their inability at the charity stripe reminded me of BC’s debacle against Villanova in the 2006 Sweet Sixteen. They were also pathetic from the 3 point line. UMass converted 14.3% of their 3s. BC was often beat man-to-man. UMass’ guards often blew by the Eagles to easy points.

While BC’s defense certainly needs some work, so does their rebounding. BC went with a small lineup which was a good call overall. It helped beat the press although that was not flawless. It put more guys on the court that can score, as it removed Josh Southern from the line-up, who generally does not light up the stat sheet. Their lack of size however hurt them on the boards. UMass grabbed 50 rebounds while BC only pulled down 33. Those extra possessions would have really hurt BC had UMass been able to find their stroke.

While Al Skinner should be hoping that Chris Cringle will bring improved defense and rebounding, this game was a step in the right direction for BC. They will welcome the USC Gamecocks on December 30^th. If they can maintain this offensive production and toughen up in a few areas it should be a winnable game. They have a little bit of time before the schedule gets meaty, when they will travel down to Clemson January 9^th. BC will need to grow some hair on their chest if they want to compete with Trevor Booker and his friends.

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