Riding a three game losing streak, the ‘Cats traveled to Beantown on Wednesday to play Big East rival Boston College. The ‘Cats (9-5, 1-1 in the Big East) had an amazing night from three-point land hitting 14 of 18 shots and were able to hold off a late run by the Eagles (11-4, 1-1 in the Big East), to win 92-89.

Guard Mike Nardi led the way for the ‘Cats scoring 24 points and hitting on all four of his three pointers and hit all eight of his free-throws. Allan Ray kept his scoring touch going, contributing 23 points and was five out of seven from three-point range.

The scoring duo frustrated the Eagles all night long, making big shots every time the Eagles mounted a comeback.

After a 6-1 run by the Eagles to start the second half cut the ‘Cats lead to seven, Ray rattled off seven straight points to push the lead to 14, 50-36. The Eagles bounced back though and scored seven in a row, but Nardi answered with a three-pointer.

After a Sean Marshall jumper cut ‘Nova’s lead to just three, 57-54, the ‘Cats were in need of some help and Ray bailed them out again. He hit three consecutive three-pointers to push the lead back to 12 and sealed the win for ‘Nova.

Other key contributors for the ‘Cats were Andreas Bloch, who returned from his one-game hiatus on Jay Wright’s bench and scored 12 points. Will Sheridan scored 11, including the first three-pointer of his collegiate career and Randy Foye added 10.

The Eagles were led by the trio of Craig Smith, Jared Dudley and Steve Hailey. Smith scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Dudley and Hailey put up 19 and 18, respectively.

During the Christmas break, the ‘Cats were poised to play one of their tougher schedules in years. Games against powerhouses like Kansas and Memphis highlighted the schedule. ‘Nova started off hot, winning games against Columbia and UNC Greensboro. Then a funny thing happened, the New Year. The ‘Cats then dropped three straight, losing at Kansas, and to Memphis and Notre Dame at the Wachovia Center.

The next games for the ‘Cats will be against St. John’s and Providence. For more information on these games turn to page 27.