After a slow first half in which both teams shot around 34% from the field, Boston College used a strong defensive effort to defeat in-state rival UMASS. Boston College's shots began to fall in the second half and a pair of key three-pointers by Joe Trapani and Rakim Sanders helped thwart a potential UMASS rally.
BC used a balanced scoring attack, including 18 points from Raji (all in the second half), 18 from Trapani, 15 from Sanders and 13 from Jackson. BC was able to exploit UMASS' full court pressure which translated into plenty of easy baskets for Raji. Skinner praised the team's ball movement as the Eagles had 22 total assists on their 30 baskets. BC was also able to limit their turnovers (6) and force 19 by UMASS which helped compensate for the vast rebounding margin held by UMASS.
The defensive effort was a positive sign. BC held the Minutemen to a low shooting percentage which is exactly what Coach Skinner preaches to his team. Although BC shot poorly in the first half Skinner was still pleased with the team's shot selection. In the second half, this same shots started falling and BC.
