Reggie Jackson and Joe Trapani scored 17 points each and Boston College held off UMass, 76-71, Saturday night in the Tip-Off Classic at Boston Garden.
Josh Southern added 16 points for BC, which improved to 6-2. Anthony Gurley had a game-high 22 points for UMass, which suffered its first loss in eight games this season.
BC never trailed in the game, although UMass cut an 11-point halftime deficit to two points and had multiple chances to tie the score or take the lead. UMass was last within a possession at 70-67 with just over a minute remaining. But Southern got free for a layup, and after a UMass miss, Trapani snuck free for another layup, and the game was out of reach.
The Eagles return to action Wednesday night when they host Providence.
In the opening game of the doubleheader, Northeastern dropped its Colonial Athletic Association opener to Drexel, 63-58. Chaisson Allen had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Huskies (2-4).
Links:
[1] http://www.weei.com/weei/boston/basketball