Eagles Again Lose Grip After Strong Start, Fade Late at Notre Dame
Boston College built a commanding first half Saturday night but could not hold off a late surge, falling 68-64 at Notre Dame.
The Eagles opened the game with sharp execution and took control early. Boston College scored the first eight points and extended the advantage behind confident shooting and steady ball movement. Fred Payne set the tone early, accounting for much of BC’s initial offense as Notre Dame struggled to find rhythm from the floor. The lead grew steadily as the Eagles continued to capitalize on missed opportunities by the Fighting Irish.
Midway through the half, Boston College pushed the margin into double figures following a dunk by Aidan Shaw. Even when Notre Dame trimmed the gap, the Eagles responded with poise, closing the half on an 8-2 run to carry a 35-24 lead into the break. Boston College shot efficiently before halftime, holding clear edges in both overall field-goal percentage and perimeter shooting.
Momentum shifted quickly after halftime, an all-too-familiar trend for the Eagles this season. Notre Dame opened the second half with a sustained run that erased most of the deficit. Boston College briefly steadied itself with an early basket by Payne but struggled to generate consistent looks as the half progressed. The Irish took their first lead on a three-pointer midway through the half and began to dictate tempo.
BC briefly reclaimed the lead on a three from Caleb Steger but could not sustain it. The Eagles remained within striking distance, answering with timely baskets and defensive stops, yet never fully regained control. Luka Toews connected on a late three to pull Boston College within two points in the final seconds, keeping the outcome in doubt.
The closing moments proved decisive. After a late drive by Payne brought BC back within two, a technical foul assessed following a timeout situation extended the margin and sealed the result. Boston College was outshot in the second half as Notre Dame converted efficiently during its comeback stretch.
Payne led the Eagles with 18 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Donald Hand Jr. added 17 points and six rebounds, while Toews finished with 14 points. Boston College led by as many as 13 and held a double-digit halftime advantage but was limited to lower shooting efficiency after the break.
Boston College returns home next Saturday to host No. 14 Virginia at Conte Forum, with tipoff scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET.
Category: General Sports
