U Who? BC BB wins big over Miami

First of all, before I get to hoops, I took my hockey trip to Minnesota this past weekend. It was absolutely AMAZING and I recommend the trip to anyone who loves hockey. I'll have more to say about it, and pics to share, in my next blog post which will come in the next day or two.

As for hoops: Wow, what a difference two games makes. After RMU, everyone, myself included, wrote the team off for this season. That game was obviously a wakeup call as BC has now improved to 3-0 in the ACC after squashing Miami at Conte Forum. The win is BC's 2nd over ranked opposition - the other came against URI earlier in the season.

I thought Miami was overrated coming into this game, and seeing them in person confirmed my suspicions. They are a one-trick pony, and their one trick - jacking up threes - wasn't working until very late in the game.

Still, even if they did shoot 3s reasonably well today, the Eagles still would have won. With the exception of a few lapses and struggles against the press in the 2nd half, BC controlled the tempo and played solid basketball.

Rakim Sanders is going to be a superstar. He put up 20 tonight.

Tyrelle Blair was the 'Iron Curtain' on defense, and even made a few solid offensive contributions en route to a double-double.

Oates was once again troubling, turning the ball over several times on inbounds plays and jacking up stupid 3 pointers.

Shamari had a decent game - 12 points and 5 rebounds.

The student section had a pretty solid turnout tonight as well, although I'm disappointed that the students in the red seats behind the baskets continue to sit. Baby steps. The crowd was generally on time, which I hope would be the case for a 9 PM start.

All in all, a positive step for the Eagles. I still think making NCAAs will be tough but they've obviously found some sort of second gear for these ACC games.

Next up is at UVA on Saturday night. The game will be televised, but I'll be at the BC-BU men's hockey game.