HACKENSACK, N.J. - FDU's nonconference campaign started in Miami, spent a week in Nebraska, went out in the Bronx for a night, took two visits to the Big 5, and most recently had a weekend getaway in Minnesota. So far this season, the Knights have traveled approximately 4100 miles to meet their opponents. Now, there are just 203 miles, and one game left to go in what has been an uber difficult slate for Jack Castleberry's team. This Saturday, December 28, the Knights close nonconference play at Boston College. The game tips at 4 p.m. on the ACC Network.
FDU enters this game with a 4-10 record, still seeking their first road win of the year. The Golden Eagles are currently 7-5 but are off to an 0-2 start in ACC play. They will try to garner some momentum on Saturday before diving back into conference play after the New Year.
These teams have met just once before. That came over 32 years ago on December 10, 1992. Back then, Boston College still belonged to the Big East. The Golden Eagles defeated the Knights 72-54 in the Conte Forum. This Saturday, over three decades later, FDU looks to even the all-time series at one apiece.
Boston College is 4-3 at home this season but have dropped three of their last four in Chestnut Hill. Last time out, they fell to their newest conference foe SMU by a score of 103-77. The Golden Eagles do have a win over an NEC program this year, thanks to a 73-69 victory over in-state rival Stonehill. Seven of Boston College's 12 games have been decided by single digits with the Golden Eagles possessing a 5-2 record in those contests.
Three Golden Eagles average double-digit scoring outputs. They are led by Donald Hand Jr., a sophomore guard who posts 14.2 points per contest. Hand Jr. is coming off a season-high 22 points in the loss against SMU. He attempts five threes a game and shoots at a respectable 36.7% clip from beyond the arc. He also contributes over seven rebounds per game. Boston College's newest veteran presence is 6'10 graduate student Chad Venning. Venning is a 1000-point scorer who previously played at St. Bonaventure. As a Golden Eagle, he is averaging 10.9 points per game.
The Knights are coming off a 74-60 loss at Minnesota. Despite battling against a very physical and defensive-minded Minnesota team, two Knights found ways to have their best performance of the season. Tyree Barba-Bey knocked down three triples en route to a season-high 15 points. He did this on an efficient 5-9 from the field and scored ten of his points in the second half. Forward Jo'el Emanuel recorded his second career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. He also connected on three triples. Defensively, the Knights were very strong for 20 minutes and led 21-20 at halftime. They forced eight Gopher turnovers and held them to just one free throw attempt in the first half. Minnesota found their footing and made their first eight attempts from the field in the second period. This stretch helped them gain control of the game.
FDU continues to share the ball well as of late. Against La Salle (12/18), they matched a season-high with 18 assists. Last Saturday in Minnesota, the Knights were good for 16 assists on 23 made field goals. These performances make it six games with 15 or more assists for the Burgundy and Blue. In addition to sharing it, FDU is also taking good care of the basketball. They have committed less than ten turnovers in two of their last three games. In fact, FDU has recently won the turnover battle in games against Minnesota and Villanova.
Following Saturday's post-holiday battle at Boston College, FDU arrives at conference play. Their NEC opener is on January 5 in Staten Island against defending NEC tournament champions Wagner. The game tips at 1 p.m. on NEC Front Row.
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