Boston College certainly couldn’t have scripted a better way to start its season than what unfolded Friday evening at Conte Forum.
The Eagles, which struggled mightily last season, used a big second half to blow past Maine, 85-65. The 20-point win is BC’s largest margin of victory since Dec. 13, 2015 when it defeated non other than Maine, 91-60.
Final
| 1 | 2 | T | |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAINE (0-1) | 28 | 37 | 65 |
| BC (1-0) | 35 | 50 | 85 |
What was a 5-point game at 35-30 with 19:42 to go, turned into a 15-point affair with 12:55 remaining.
Up 35-30, BC went on a 7-0 run – with all seven points coming from Ky Bowman – to push its lead to double digits.
The Eagles continued to keep their foot on the gas pedal and a pair of Steffon Mitchell free throws made it a 55-40 contest.
BC’s lead continued to grow as it was up by as much as 22, 85-63, after Vic Baker Jr. turned a steal into two with 0:58 left.
The Eagles were stout on defense all game and held the Black Bears to 35.6 percent (21 of 59) shooting from the floor. They also won the turnover battle – 11 to eight. On the boards, BC hauled in 51 rebounds to Maine’s 32, which can be attributed to its ability to force the Black Bears into some tough shots.
Bowman and Jerome Robinson spearheaded the BC offense with 18 points apiece. Illinois State transfer, and first-year Eagle, Deontae Hawkins, scored 13 points and grabbed a game-high 15 boards.
BC remains home and will host South Carolina State (0-1) on Sunday at 1 p.m.
