BOSTON — In a much-needed victory, Boston College triumphed over Stonehill with a score of 73-69 on Sunday, breaking a three-game losing streak. Chad Venning contributed significantly with 13 points, joined by Donald Hand Jr. and Chas Kelley III, who each also scored 13 points.
The game turned intense when Dion Brown sank two quick baskets, cutting Boston College’s lead to its largest at 57-44, with just 10 minutes left on the clock. Ethan Meuser then sparked a comeback for Stonehill by hitting two consecutive 3-pointers. Todd Brogna and Hermann Koffi followed suit, each adding a 3-pointer of their own. Brogna’s layup capped a 15-6 run, bringing Stonehill within two points, 71-69, with only 21 seconds remaining.
Hand and Elijah Strong played a crucial role in sealing the game by each converting two free throws in the closing moments, ensuring the Eagles secured the win.
Earlier in the game, Louie Semona’s 3-pointer had given Stonehill (6-6) a slim lead of 22-19 with eight minutes left in the first half. However, the Skyhawks struggled offensively, managing to convert just one of their next ten shots as they entered the halftime break. Kelley managed to break the scoring drought with a jumper, which put Boston College ahead, 28-26, just before halftime. Fred Payne then closed the first half with a 3-pointer, sending Boston College into the break with a 35-30 lead.
Brogna showcased an impressive performance, hitting 3 out of 4 attempts from beyond the arc and achieving a personal best of 25 points, shooting 10-of-16 overall. Meuser added 11 points, while Amir Nesbitt contributed 10 points for Stonehill.
Boston College (7-4) had been on a downward trend, having lost three straight since Joshua Beadle’s late-game heroics in a narrow 63-61 victory over Boise State during the Cayman Islands Classic final on November 26. The Eagles can now look forward to building momentum with this crucial win.