Patrick Heckmann and the Boston College Eagles host the Boston U. Terriers for the first time since the 2004-05 season on Saturday afternoon at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, MA.
Event: Boston University Terriers (3-4) vs. Boston College Eagles (2-5).
Date/Time: Saturday, December 3, 2011 - 2:00 p.m. EDT.
Location: Silvio O. Conte Forum (Capacity: 8,606), Chestnut Hill, MA.
Broadcast Info: Saturday's game between the Eagles and Terriers will be broadcast worldwide on ESPN3.com, with Eric Frede providing play-by-play and Ron Perry providing color analysis. In addition, the game can be heard on the WEEI Sports Radio Network (93.7 FM/850 AM), with Jon Meterparel on play-by-play duty and Malcolm Huckaby providing analysis. The game can also be heard on 1510 AM, with Doug Brown on play-by-play and Brian Maurer providing color commentary.
Series History: The Eagles lead the all-time series against the Terriers, 38-17. The two teams haven't met since the 2004-05 season, when the Eagles posted an 80-74 victory. BC and BU met annually from 2001 through 2004, with the Eagles winning every time. Boston College has won the last eight meetings against Boston University.
Last Time Out: Boston College was defeated by the Penn St. Nittany Lions, 62-54, in the ACC_Big Ten Challenge on Wednesday night. Matt Humphrey scored 15 points to lead the Eagles, who shot 27.3 percent in the second half.
Boston University defeated the Delaware Blue Hens, 73-67, on Wednesday. Darryl Partin had 27 points, Travis Robinson added 16 points and D.J. Irving finished with eight points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in the win.
Statistical Leaders: Patrick Heckmann is the Eagles leading scorer, averaging 12 points per game. Matt Humphrey is the team's second leading scorer, averaging 11 points. Ryan Anderson leads the team in rebounding with 5.7 boards per game and Heckmann also leads the team in assists with 1.8 dimes per game.
Darryl Partin is the Terriers' leading scorer and the fifth-leading scorer in the nation, averaging 23.4 points. Patrick Hazel leads the team in rebounding with 6.4 boards per game and D.J. Irving averages a team-high 4.9 assists and 13.4 points for BU.
Storyline: It's BC and BU, hardwood style. While this rivalry isn't as fierce as the one on the ice, it's still two hated rivals with a history of hatred. Expect both teams to put forth their best effort, as this is a chance for the Terriers to pick up a win against an opponent from a major conference (the ACC) and offers the Eagles a chance to beat their hated rivals.
Partin and Heckmann are the go-to players for each team, but Partin will clearly be the most talented player on the floor. Irving is likely the second most talented player on the floor, and will be key for BU when it comes to distribution. Meanwhile, Eagles' head coach Steve Donahue is still tinkering with his young lineup, and it's not totally clear who will get a significant portion of minutes. But when it comes to BC and BU, anything can happen.
Prediction: All things considered, this should be one of the more interesting games of the season. Neither the Eagles or Terriers are dominant teams, and both have had their struggles. Expect a close game with a lot of streaks, as well as some sloppy play. Final Score: Boston University 61, Boston College 61.
For more BC Basketball coverage, visit our team page and blog, BC Interruption.