They know best
Here is an extensive scouting report on Boston College that I wrote for today's paper, which includes more information from coaches who played the Eagles this season.
There are three scouting reports on this page, so scroll down to the second game. If you can't get enough of the tournament read up on the matchup between UCLA and Virginia Commonwealth as well as Cal State Northridge and Memphis.
Although they start a true center, they are not as big as I thought. And, I like their youth - 4 Sophs and 1 Sr. Taj and Demar should be able to have big games - quicker and more athletic with some height mismatches. If we use Simmons on Reese, we may really shut down their O. We know Hack will be a stud. If Lewis knocks down some perimeter jumpers to soften the D, we win. Lewis >= 14 points, SC wins.
Jill, I'm really curious about Marcus Johnson. He saw the floor for a few minutes in the Pac-Life tourney. We could REALLY use him against Mich St. Is his condition improving at all?
Tim Floyd was on with Dan Patrick this morning. Floyd received a call from Dave Odom (a former coach) who was broadcasting some of their games. Odom said that BC was a very physical team, and they post-up well.
My fear is that Gibson gets in early foul trouble. This doomed USC two years ago against North Carolina. Also, in the tourney losses to N.C. and Kansas St, the opponents' best offense was rebounding missed shots, and making easy baskets inside. Thus, against BC, USC needs to control the defense boards. Leonard Washington may have to play big minutes. As a result, USC might not be able to afford playing with a small line-up (i.e., DeRozan at the four spot) unless it can fast break often.
Fight On!