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Boston College vs. Penn State: Eagles meet Nittany Lions in ACC-Big Ten Challenge

Boston College (2-4) faces Penn State (3-2) for the second straight season in this year's ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday evening.

By Gethin Coolbaugh
Joshua S. Kelly-US PRESSWIRE

Steve Donahue and the Boston College Eagles would like nothing more than to put Sunday's game against Bryant in the past, and for good.

An extremely disappointing 56-54 loss to the Bryant Bulldogs -- a team that had never beat an opponent from the Atlantic Coast Conference and had lost to Boston College in all four previous meetings (no decision had been closer than 16 points) -- left the Eagles reeling, and a visibly discouraged Donahue knew he had to do better.

Donahue had better hope his team has a bad memory, as Boston College will need to set its sights on its current opponent -- the Penn St. Nittany Lions -- which they face in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday night at the Bryce Jordan Center.

Boston College (2-4) has fallen four times in its last five games after a winless effort in the Charleston Classic and an underwhelming outing against Bryant. The Eagles' lone win in the stretch came against Auburn, 50-49, in their second home game of the seaosn.

The Eagles were carried to a strong start from sophomore forward Ryan Anderson, who had 29 points and 17 rebounds in BC's season opening blowout win against FIU. Anderson would suffer a right ankle injury soon after, and has not been himself ever since. Anderson is still the Eagles' leading scorer and rebounder, though, averaging 15.8 points and 10.4 rebounds.

Penn State (3-2) has altered wins and losses to start the new campaign and is coming off a 60-57 win against Bucknell on Friday. The Nittany Lions had three players score in double digits, led by Jermaine Marshall (17 points). Brandon Taylor finished with 16 points and D.J. Newbill added 10 points in the win.

The Eagles and Nittany Lions also met last year in the ACC-Big Ten Challenge, with Penn State securing a 62-54 win at Conte Forum. Marshall had 22 points to lead all scorers in the game while Matt Humphrey, who transferred to West Virginia in the offseason, led BC with 15 points.

Tip off is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. and the game will be aired on ESPNU/WEEI.

For more Boston College basketball coverage, visit our blog, BC Interruption.