Boston College vs. High Point Men's Basketball: Preview And Prediction
Boston College opens up the Gotham Classic at home tonight against the High Panthers. Who is High Point you may ask? The Panthers are from North Carolina and are part of the Big South Conference.
Time: 7:00pm
Where: Conte Forum, Boston College
TV: ACC Network X (Use the ESPN App)
Radio: WEEI 93.7
Opening Line: Boston College (-19)
Projected Starting Five: Nik Popovic, Steffon Mitchell, Derryck Thornton, Jared Hamilton, Jay Heath
Injury Update (per Jon Rothstein):
Ken Pom Rankings: Boston College (97), High Point (324)
Key Matchup: Jon Michael Wright vs. Derryck Thornton
If High Point is going to pull of the upset they are going to need a lights out game from their leading scorer. Wright, a true freshmen is a 58% shooter from three point range, averaging 15 ppg, and is the type of player that could hit big baskets and put pressure on a young Eagles team. But the Panthers guard could have his hands full with a Derryck Thornton, a transfer who has found his game with the Eagles. Pressuring Thornton and not allowing him to get into his game will be a huge key for High Point.
The Opponent
High Point as mentioned above is a school in North Carolina that plays in the Big South. They are coached by former Minnesota and Memphis coach and High Point alum Tubby Smith who took over as head coach in 2018. Last season the Panthers finished 15-16 (9-7 in conference) with big wins over Valpraiso and East Carolina.
This current season has started off rough for HP as they have lost their first two games to Wofford and William & Mary.
Three Questions Heading Into This Game:
1. Can BC prevent the annual let down game? It has become a yearly tradition for Boston College to lose a game they have no business losing. Hartford, UMass Lowell, IUPUI all have taken down the Eagles. BC has the hot hand, can they prevent a bad loss?
2. Can BC cutdown on turnovers? Want to know an easy way for High Point to win this game? Grab 27 turnovers like USF did on Sunday against the Eagles.
3. Can BC Dominate In All Phases? This is a game that the Eagles should absolutely dominate on defense, offense and on the glass. They need to show the world that they can put away teams like this. But will they?
AJ's Fearless Prediction: Boston College 81 High Point 60. BC is hot, and Derryck Thornton is the type of player that will not let the Eagles have a let down spot here. I think he explodes for a big game. Hopefully BC gets a chance to go deep into their bench and let the starters rest.
