Boston College controlled the opening script Saturday, then watched the game tilt sharply after halftime in a 74-60 loss to the Louisville Cardinals.
The Eagles arrived with momentum tied to defensive consistency and early composure, and that identity showed immediately. Boston College set the pace from the opening minutes, executed cleanly on offense, and led the entire first half. The advantage stretched to double digits late before Louisville trimmed the margin, sending BC into the locker room
holding a four-point edge.
Boston College’s early success was rooted in efficiency and discipline. The Eagles shot confidently in the opening half, limited mistakes, and took advantage of Louisville turnovers to maintain separation. Luka Toews jump-started the offense, accounting for a large share of BC’s early production as the Eagles established rhythm and balance. Donald Hand Jr. added a timely three late in the half that briefly restored a double-digit cushion before Louisville closed the gap.
That control did not carry over. Louisville emerged from the break with renewed aggression, stringing together stops and quick scores to erase the deficit. A sustained run early in the half swung momentum and delivered the Cardinals their first lead of the afternoon. From there, the game tightened into a physical exchange that remained within reach deep into the second half.
Fred Payne delivered a key response with a three-pointer that tied the score with just over eight minutes remaining, continuing a stretch of consistent scoring that the Eagles entered the game relying on. The moment proved fleeting. Louisville answered decisively, ripping off a 13-4 run that created breathing room and shifted the tone of the closing minutes.
Sananda Fru (game-leading 19 points and 13 rebounds) controlled the interior during that stretch, finishing possessions and anchoring a Louisville push that Boston College could not counter. The Eagles struggled to find clean looks after halftime and were held to limited production over the final twenty minutes. Louisville, meanwhile, closed efficiently and extended the margin with strong execution down the stretch, even without talented guards Mikel Brown Jr. and Ryan Conwell who missed the game with injury.
The loss highlighted the fine margin Boston College is navigating in conference play. The Eagles entered the matchup with encouraging defensive metrics, steady rebounding numbers and improved ball security, all of which were evident early. Sustaining that level for a full forty minutes remains the next step as the schedule tightens.
Boston College now turns its focus quickly to the road ahead, traveling to Clemson, S.C., for a Tuesday night matchup with the Clemson Tigers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
