
Photo by: Eddie Shabomardenly
Strong Drives Eagles Past Temple, 72-69
November 15, 2024 | Men's Basketball
BC dials up defensive effort over final minutes to seal the win
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Boston College held off Temple in a 72-69 decision on Friday night at Conte Forum. With the victory, the Eagles advanced to 2-1 on the season. Elijah Strong tallied 25 points and 13 rebounds in the game, earning new career highs in both categories. The BC defense made two timely stops in the final minute to deny Temple's comeback effort.
FIRST HALF
FIRST HALF
- Strong finished through traffic in the paint to put the Eagles on the board first.
- The Eagles caught fire early in the game, knocking down seven consecutive shots to take a 22-17 lead.
- Strong was the first player to notch double figures in the game. He converted five shots - including one three-pointer - in the first seven minutes of action.
- At the 8:41 mark, the Eagles extended their lead to double digits (34-24).
- The Eagles shot 56.3% from the field in the first half, a season high. BC led 46-41 at halftime.
- Chad Venning was the first player in the scoring column for the Eagles in the second half.
- Donald Hand Jr. hit a corner triple at the 12:58 mark. The basket initiated a 7-1 run that put the Eagles ahead, 57-56.
- On back-to-back possessions, Hand finished a dunk in transition and Strong converted a three-point play. The Eagles regained the lead - 64-63 - with just over five minutes left.
- The Eagles held Temple scoreless for nearly six minutes of action. BC led by one heading into the final two minutes.
- With 20 seconds left, the Owls made their first field goal since the 8:42 mark, trimming the BC lead back to one.
- BC maintained its lead by denying Temple's two final chances on offense.
- A trio of Eagles finished in double figures: Strong (25), Hand (17) and Venning (10).
- Chas Kelley III dished a career-best eight assists tonight. BC out-assisted the Owls by seven (14-7).
- Jayden Hastings provided rim protection on the night, swatting away three Owls' shots. BC finished with five blocks in the game.
- Boston College registered a season-low eight turnovers.
- The Eagles move to 1-4 all-time versus Temple and 11-7 against the current members of the American Athletic Conference.
- Tonight was the fifth all-time matchup between the two programs and the first in 22 seasons. It marked the first game of a two-year home/home series.
- Boston College battles Loyola (Md.) at home next Tuesday, Nov. 19. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. at Conte Forum. The game will be televised on ACCNX.
- Tuesday's game is the second all-time meeting between the two schools. In the lone contest, BC defeated Loyola (Md.) at home, 90-57, on Nov. 17, 2008.
Players Mentioned
Football: Grayson James Postgame Press Conference (Oct. 18, 2025)
Saturday, October 18
Football: Jordan McDonald Postgame Press Conference (Oct. 18, 2025)
Saturday, October 18
Football: Bill O'Brien Postgame Press Conference (Oct. 18, 2025)
Saturday, October 18
Field Hockey: MS Awareness Team Impact
Saturday, October 18