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Boston College faced their first road challenge of the year and they passed with flying colors, defeating the University of South Florida Bulls 74-60 at the Yuengling Center in Tampa. Led by transfer guard Derryck Thornton's 22 points and Nik Popovic's 15, BC played a tenacious defense that held USF to just 36.1% shooting from the floor in route to a decisive win. 

The Eagles fell behind early but rode a 20-4 run at the end of the first half topped by a three by Popovic with no time remaining, to go up 43-32 a lead that they never gave back. The second half was filled with a strong defensive performance by Boston College who stymied USF and forced the Bulls into 20 total turnovers and long scoreless stretches. BC hit just enough shots to put away the Bulls down the stretch as the lead stayed around a dozen in the second half. 

"These games are going to be 40-minute games," said Coach Jim Christian after the game. "You have a bunch of freshmen playing on the road for the first time. Five total new guys. I thought our defense tightened up and we did a much better job on the backboard. A lot of good things can happen if you play solid defense, cause turnovers and rebound the ball. And then we made our free throws." 

This was a huge win for the Eagles who have now defeated a conference opponent (Wake Forest) and a team that was projected to be very much in the thick of it in the AAC race. A good start for the Eagles, but they will need to make sure there isn't a let down game as they settle in with a few easier opponents coming up. 

Post Game Thoughts

* Lots of positives from this game, but Boston College lost 27 turnovers. You don't normally see a number this high next to a team that wins the game. If the Eagles continue to struggle with turnovers like this they could be in for some big problems moving forward. 

* Jay Heath had his true freshman moment yesterday, as he really struggled against the Bulls. The guard had only six points, and committed nine turnovers. Heath is only 17 and will have these moments, it will be up to Jim Christian to let him play through it and learn. 

* Derryck Thornton is the real deal. In two games against Power 5 opponents the transfer guard has been the leader both offensively and setting the tone on defense. On the radio call Danya Abrams called him the "best point guard in the country", which might be a bit of hyperbole but he appears to be the best transfer Boston College has landed in years and through the first two games looks like he could be a player that helps BC win a few stunners. 

* The freshmen off the bench, Julian Rishwain (11 points) and CJ Felder (10 points) provided much needed sparks. Felder had the dunk of the year so far when he skied above the rim for a two handed slam in the second half. 

* One of the big concerns going into the game was rebounding, but the Eagles won the battle of the boards 38-29, led by Steffon Mitchell's 13. After the Wake game, this was a much needed sign of improvement. 

Boston College resumes play on Wednesday against High Point University in the Gotham Classic which will be held at Conte Forum.