March 4, 2010

BC-Virginia Tech Box Score

Greensboro, NC - Boston College junior Stefanie Murphy scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Eagles past Virginia Tech, 62-49, in a first-round victory in the ACC Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum. BC is now 16-14 on the season, while Virginia Tech falls to 15-15.

"We came out of the first game feeling like we should have come out with the win," forward Stefanie Murphy said of the 69-64 result in Blacksburg on Feb. 21. "Payback ... It's what was due."

BC senior Brittanny Johnson added 10 points, four rebounds and four assists while holding Virginia Tech's Lindsay Biggs to just 2-for-9 shooting and six points in the game. Junior Carolyn Swords added eight points while sophomore Jasmine Gill added seven points.

Boston College opened on a 19-4 run behind six points from Murphy and four from Swords. The Eagles held the lead through the first half as they shot 33 percent from the floor but held the Hokies to 19 percent. BC led at the half, 29-17.

In the second half the Hokies cut the lead to seven points on a layup from Alyssa Fenyn. With just over 12 minutes to play, Ayla Brown (5 points, 8 rebounds) pushed the Eagles lead to 11 points on a deep three-pointer from the top of the arc. The Eagles lead increased to 15 points on a jumper by Jaclyn Thoman with 8:12 to play.

Johnson put the game away when she hit a driving layup on the baseline and followed it up with a three-pointer as BC's lead went to 20 points with four minutes to play.

"They don't want this to end," said BC Head Coach Sylvia Crawley. "They're hungry for more games. This is a team that can beat any team in the ACC on any given night when we come out ready to play."

Game Notes:
Boston College hit seven three-pointers in the game. The Eagles have now hit 174 three-pointers this season, which is now the new program record for most three's made in a single season ... It was Stefanie Murphy's sixth consecutive game reaching double-figures in scoring ... Jaclyn Thoman notched seven assists for the third time this season ... The Eagles played nine players and all nine scored in the win ... BC won the battle of the boards, 37-32. It was the 22nd game in which BC grabbed more rebounds than its opponent. The Eagles are 16-6 when they out-rebound an opponent ... BC will play Florida State on Friday, March 5 at 6 p.m. BC lost to Florida State on Jan. 24 in Tallahassee, 85-64.

BC vs. the Seminoles - -

Stefanie Murphy: Well last year the same situation happened. I believe we played Miami the first round and then played Florida State the second round and Florida State. Having another crack at Florida State is what we want to do and we'll do whatever it takes to win.

Brittanny Johnson: You know, I think this tournament provides us with a great opportunity. A lot of teams that we are facing now are teams we didn't play well against. All we have to do is look at what we did during those games and really focus on those things that helped us to get better. Florida State was a team we didn't play well against, and we are happy to have an opportunity at them.

Sylvia Crawley: Like Brittanny said we are facing teams that we didn't beat in the regular season. And so we're very fortunate to get another opportunity. And I think it's tough to beat a team twice. And we get a chance to look at what didn't work the last time. Florida State is a very physical team. It's going to be a physical game. We'll have to roll up our sleeves and work hard for 40 minutes and our players understand that now. They know what it's going to take to beat a team like Florida State. They are a solid team at every position. And anyone on the floor can hit an open shot. It keeps you on your toes, and you can't play off anyone. It should be a good game tomorrow.