Hoops - Jackets take down Boston College 60-58

Well, the young upstarts did something most of us didn't expect tonight - win. That's right, the Jackets beat Boston College, the #11 team in the nation. An outstanding effort and unfortunately I don't have time for my usual game write-up. They keys - defense and rebounding (oh, and a few key shots). Here are some key points:


DEFENSE SHAPING UP
The Jackets continue to show a strong defense and they are starting to put it together half and after half after half. Not just streak defense. We're talking better fundamentals, better pressue and fewer breakdowns. BC was held to their lowest output of the season and their other low was 71.


WINDOW CLEANERS
Again the Jackets win the battle on the boards 33-23, including 15-9 on the offensive glass. BC just didn't get too many 2nd chance points (11 to GT's 17). Jeremis Smith led the way with 9 boards, and also happened to lead the scoring with 16. That's 7 straight games outrebounding opponents.


CLUTCH BUCKETS
There were some big buckets hit down the stretch and only one of them by Anthony Morrow. He did hit a key bomb after knocking his defender down. Lewis Clinch had a key putback and also a BIG 3pt shot down the stretch. Not bad for a guy who hasn't played in awhile. Nice to see him back. Of course Zam Fredrick had the biggest bomb off a cross-court pass from A-Mo, draining the big 3pter with less than a minute to go. Outstanding. If "the book" on the Jackets can no longer be "shut down A-Mo" then watch out. Bell is starting to hit shots. If Clinch can get back in the action, talk about a deadly perimeter group.


STILL NOT PROTECTING THE BALL
Still had 16 turnovers tonight. Better, but not by much. Still working on protecting the ball. BC only had 10 to's.


KEEP YOU HEAD LEVEL
Ok, the Jackets are 2-0 in the ACC, and actually lead the ACC as I watch Duke beat WF (so we'll be tied in 2 minutes). Excellent. Grab every ACC win we can. However, let's remember this is still mostly a team of frosh and sophs. They're learning how to win, but it's obviously they do learn. However, the rollercoaster will have to head the other diretion soon. Be happy, but don't start resetting all your expectations quite yet.


Outstanding work tonight. GO JACKETS!!!!