The Harvard Crimson and the Boston College Eagles meet Saturday in college basketball action from Conte Forum. Harvard is undefeated so far and fresh off a Friday matchup versus UMass. In that one the Crimson powered out a three-point overtime victory. As for Boston College, they’re sitting at 3-0 after a Wednesday win over Richmond. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Harvard Crimson
The Crimson didn’t have too many issues in their first three outings of the year. Harvard beat UMass Boston 78-50 in their opener thanks to 51.6 percent shooting from the field. Game two was another double-digit win, this time 89-76 over Rice. The Crimson kept it rolling in the Northeastern game with an 80-56 win that featured 10-of-22 (45.5 percent) from 3-point range.
On Friday versus UMass, the Crimson were in trouble with a 37-28 deficit at the break. Harvard posted 42 points in the second half and eight more in OT on the way to a comeback win 78-75. Leading the way in scoring was Malik Mack with 32 points and six assists. Chandler Pigge added a double-double on 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Boston College Eagles
Over on the Eagles’ side, they’re off to a good start themselves this season. Boston College handled Fairfield 89-70 in their opener, hitting 49.3 percent from the floor with 47 rebounds and 15 assists. Game two against the Citadel was much closer at 75-71, but still a win. The Eagles were out-rebounded 32-29 in that one but also hit 53.3 percent from the field.
Boston College was able to keep their run going on Wednesday versus Richmond. The Eagles were down 34-30 by halftime, but then scored 38 more points in a 68-61 win. Both Quinten Post (17 points; 15 rebounds; five assists) and Prince Aligbe (15 points; 10 rebounds) recorded double-doubles.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m going to stick with Harvard. The Crimson really had to scramble in their Friday matchup versus UMass—a team they probably should have played better against. Harvard was out-rebounded 48-45 (23-11 offensive) in the win, but shot a nice 11-of-24 from 3-point range (45.8 percent) and had 17 team assists. The starters got a lot of minutes, so the Crimson will need some more bench production on Saturday.
As for Boston College, they’ve been a little too close for comfort in their last two games. The Eagles rebounded better in the Richmond game (45), but didn’t shoot very well with 37.3 percent from the field. I like this one to be pretty close for most of the game as Harvard pulls out a cover.
