Boston, MA— Boston College leaned on a pair of big performances to hold off a determined Le Moyne squad, earning a 72–64 victory Sunday afternoon.
Donald Hand Jr. led the way for the Eagles, pouring in 26 points to match his season high, while Fred Payne delivered a career-best 22 points. The duo also controlled the glass, grabbing seven rebounds apiece as Boston College improved to 7–6 overall and 6–2 on its home floor.
Hand connected on 8 of 19 shots, including three from beyond the arc, while Payne was efficient from long range, knocking down five of his 10 attempts from deep. Their scoring proved decisive down the stretch as the Eagles pulled away late.
Le Moyne stayed within striking distance throughout, led by Shilo Jackson’s 19-point, 15-rebound double-double. Deng Garang added 14 points and seven boards, while Trent Mosquera and Tennessee Rainwater chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
The opening half was tightly contested, featuring multiple lead changes and neither team able to build more than a two-possession cushion. A layup by Garang in the final minute trimmed Boston College’s lead to 30–29 at the break.
The back-and-forth nature continued into the second half. Boston College twice stretched its advantage to seven early, but Le Moyne answered with a 7–0 run fueled by three-pointers from Mosquera and Rainwater to tie the game at 43 with just over 11 minutes remaining. Moments later, Mosquera drilled another three after Garang converted at the free-throw line, giving the Dolphins a 52–48 lead with nine minutes to play.
Boston College responded decisively. Hand and Payne each buried key three-pointers around a dunk from Boden Kapke as part of an 8–0 surge that swung momentum back to the Eagles. From there, Boston College maintained control, holding the lead for the final six minutes and closing out the win with steady execution.
Up Next
Le Moyne opens Northeastern Conference play Friday at Saint Francis. Boston College begins Atlantic Coast Conference action Saturday on the road against Georgia Tech.
