The Jackets were riding on a 1-10 stretch after losses to North Carolina and Florida State last week, but they were able to snap their six game losing streak on Saturday, Feb. 4, with a victory over the Boston College Eagles, 51-47.
The Jackets lost an early lead and didn’t regain it until 4:08 remaining in the first period. Once the Jackets had the lead, they were able to hang onto it for the majority of the second half.
The Jackets had a strong defensive performance in their first victory at Phillips Arena, forcing 14 turnovers and only allowing the Eagles to shoot at 35 percent.
The game started off slow with the Jackets only scoring 11 points in the first ten minutes, but Tech had a forceful presence under the basket, scoring 30 points in the paint while only allowing Boston College 14. With the Jackets hitting only 35 percent of their shots in the first half, they had to work defensively to keep the Eagles from building up a large lead.
A couple of lay-ups by Pierre Jordan and a Rice three-pointer kicked off the Tech comeback, and the game was tied with 5:06 remaining in the first period.
Tech led the game for the remainder of the half, finishing the first period with a one-point lead at 20-19. Junior point guard Mfon Udofia had an efficient game with no turnovers and six assists, four of which happened in the first half.
A three-point shot by Brandon Reed after a turnover by Boston College’s Dennis Clifford started off the second half quickly for the Jackets. With three defensive rebounds, the Jackets were able to hold off an Eagle comeback, but poor shooting kept the Jackets from increasing the lead through the first 15 minutes.
The Eagles responded well to the Jackets’ scoring, tying the game several times through the first ten minutes of the half. Boston College led for the final time when Ryan Anderson hauled in an offensive rebound and hit a jumper with 9:20 remaining.
A dunk by sophomore center Daniel Miller gave Tech the momentum with eight minutes left, followed by two free throws and a lay-up to give the Jackets a five point lead. In the final minute of the game, junior guard Glen Rice Jr. scored three points and sophomore guard Brandon Reed made two late free throws to hold their slim lead and earn the 51-47 win.
The Jackets faced N.C. State on Thursday, Feb. 9, prior to the time of print.