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Photo courtesy of Young Kim. 

Boston College sits at 3-0, and faces off against Belmont today, in the second game of the Gotham Classic. This afternoon's matchup should be  should be a great test for the Eagles. The Bruins, who are 1-1 should be a great test for a young BC team that needs to show what they can do when challenged by a solid opponent. 

Time: 2:00pm
Where: Conte Forum, Boston College
TV: ACC Network
Radio: WEEI 93.7
Opening Line: Boston College (-1.5)

Projected Starting Five: Nik Popovic, Steffon Mitchell, Derryck Thornton, Jared Hamilton, Jay Heath

Injury Update (Per Jon Rothstein): 

Ken Pom Rankings: Boston College (98), Belmont (83)

Key Matchup: Adam Kunkel vs. Jay Heath

Through the first three games of the season Boston College has been fortunate enough that they haven't played any really strong scorers. Today against Belmont they are going to be tested by Adam Kunkel. The 6'3 sophomore is an elite shooter, shooting 60% from the floor right now, and is dangerous from beyond the arc hitting 50% of his attempts.  Jay Heath the freshman will be the one that most likely will be guarding Kunkel. For the true freshman this will be a huge task. If Heath can't contain him, BC's defense could break down quickly today.

The Opponent

In Rick Byrd's final year, his 33rd with Belmont, 2018-19 was a huge year for the Belmont Bruins, as they earned their first ever at-large NCAA tournament bid out of the Ohio Valley Conference. Their season was a mixed bag for the Bruins as they lost in the second round of their conference tournament, but on the other hand they won  tournament game defeating Temple in the opening round before losing to Maryland. 

This year, now led by first year head coach Casey Alexander, the Bruins sit at 1-1 with a loss to Illinois State and a win over Samford this week. What will stick out to BC fans today is that this team is balanced. Sure they have Adam Kunkel who has started the season red hot, but they have talent all over their lineup. Grayson Murphy is a well rounded guard who is physical, can get rebounds and distribute the ball. Nick Muszynski is another scoring threat at the forward spot, and a big physical presence on defense, averaging three blocks a game so far for the Bruins. 

Three Questions Heading Into This Game:

1. Can BC clean up their shooting? The Eagles dominated High Point on Wednesday, mostly with their defense. They are going to need to score points today against Belmont.

2. What will this defense do against a good offense? Belmont has the 57th ranked Adjusted Offense according to KenPom, BC has the 56th ranked defense. Can BC shut down a well rounded offense capable of putting up points?

3. Can Popovic and Thornton Rebound? BC's two stars had an off game against High Point. If they both struggle again BC could be in big trouble. How will the new point guard and the veteran center look against a better opponent?

AJ's Fearless Prediction: Boston College 71 Belmont 70. If you haven't set aside time to watch this game, you should. BC is going to have their first real test of the season, a well rounded tournament veteran Belmont team. Today's game could be a glimpse into what kind of team BC really is. I'm expecting it to be really close, but I'll go with BC in a close one.