Northeastern v. BU Preview (4 PM The Roof)

Today at 4 PM Eastern the Terriers (1-4) play their first home game at Case Gym, otherwise known as "The Roof." against their crosstown rivals the Huskies of Northeastern (1-1). It's still pretty early in the season to know what kind of game this is going to be. But if BU plays like they did in the Puerto Rico tip-off, I expect them to be favored and win big.

The Puerto Rico tip-off showed us that the Terriers can play up to the level of teams from major conferences (Kansas St - Big 12, Indiana - Big Ten, Georgia Tech - ACC). Three games in four days is very tough on a team, and it showed the Terriers just didn't have enough gas left in the tanks against a very athletic and physical Georgia Tech team.

Areas of excellence:

• Rebounding - In the Indiana game alone they out-rebounded their opponent 52 - 32.
• Aggresiveness - The Terriers are a more aggressive and physical team and it shows on loose balls and the amount of fouls committed during the game.

Areas for improvement:

• Field Goal % - Plain and simple the Terriers need to finish baskets.
• Avoiding Foul Trouble - In a few games (GW and Indiana) we have seen some key Terriers in early foul trouble. The Terriers need to find a way to be aggresive but not foul as much.

If the Terriers can improve their play, as coach Pat Chambers constantly preaches, and get the ball to John Holland (America East's player of the week), BU should hand Northeastern its second loss of the season today at the Roof.

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Georgia Tech 85 - BU 67

Recap and another recap.

Game notes:

That is tough. I recorded the game and watched most of it. BU looked really good in the first half versus Georgia Tech. The Terriers went into the locker room only down by two, 42 - 40. But halfway into the Second half they got tired and fell apart.

John Holland is still the Terriers MVP eventhough he is not starting,

This kid Peacock for Georgia Tech was legit tonight, but I have a feeling he will do nothing the rest of the year. I think Derrick Favors will do well.

Final Note:

The Terriers played with the #19 ranked team in the country for 30 minutes. The last ten minutes they were too tired. Going into the Northeastern game I am satisfied with the BU team.

Next up:

BU v. Northeastern - 4:00 PM Eastern
@ THe Roof
Listen to it on 1510 the zone.

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BU 71 - Indiana 67

Recap. And another recap.

Wow. I was really pumped about this game. The Terriers beat the Hoosiers! BU cannot say that very often.

Notes from the game:

BU out muscled a team from a major conference. BU out rebounded the Hoosiers by 52 - 32. BU scored 19 second chance points. It's clear that this Terriers team is being more aggressive and more physical this year under Pat Chambers than last year under Dennis Wolff.

John Holland again has an unbelievable performance with 21 points. And Jake O'Brien recorded his first career double double.

The Terriers had some nine point deficits a few times during the game but never let the deficit grow to double digits. The Terriers always kept battling back and finally broke through in the final minutes of the game.

Momentum shifter: In the second half down by six Indiana's Devin Dumes commits an intentional foul. John Holland sinks both and then on the in bounds Tyler Morris drains a three. All of a sudden the Terriers are only down by 1 point. BU lost the lead on the next few possession but it definitely instilled some confidence that BU needed to win the game.

Overall, I am very excited to see the Terriers beat one of the most historic college basketball programs in the country. This is a win that this mid-major BU program can build off of. Now the Terriers play their first ranked opponent of the year in Georgia Tech. I look forward to another close game.

Next Up:
BU vs. #19 Georgia Tech 12:30 pm Eastern from San Juan, Puerto Rico
Watch it on ESPNU or listen to it on 1510 the zone.

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Kansas State 80 - BU 70

Here is the recap.

I only listened to part of the game on 1510. I was impressed by how well the Terriers did in this contest against a team that they were outmatched by, both physically and athletically. The only problem so far is that their aggressive style of play is costing them a lot of fouls. Corey Lowe fouled out last night with 15 minutes left in the game.

So far three losing games into the schedule, John Holland is the the MVP. He is averaging 18.1 points per game.

Overall, I'm impressed by the level of play by the Terriers. They're playing up to their superior opponents, something that is tough for mid-major teams to do on the road. If BU can keep games close with teams from superior conferences such as the Big 12, then the Terriers should be able to dominate teams from equal or lesser conferences.

Next up, Indiana Today 11/20/2009 6 pm Eastern from San Juan. Listen to the game on 1510 the zone.

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