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Tonight’s ACC opener a big deal for struggling Maryland, Boston College

turgeon

With there being just six games on tonight’s schedule due to the majority of schools finishing up finals week, Thursday may qualify as one of the least active days on this season’s college basketball schedule. But that doesn’t mean there are no games of importance, as Maryland visits Boston College in the ACC opener for both.

And based upon how the Terrapins (5-4) and Eagles (3-6) have opened their respective campaigns, Thursday’s contest in Chestnut Hill can provide a much-needed boost to the victor.

Maryland’s played its first nine games without the services of expected starting point guard Seth Allen, and their 5-4 mark is a clear indicator of the issues the Terrapins have endured without a clear answer at the point. At the beginning of the season junior Dez Wells (13.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.6 apg) was handed the keys to the offense by head coach Mark Turgeon, with the hope that freshman Roddy Peters (6.2 ppg, 3.3 apg) would be able to grow into the role in Allen’s absence. Due in part to that instability Maryland’s turned the ball over on 20.6% of its possessions, a number that ranks 276th nationally.

Clearly turnovers are a concern for Maryland, and in Boston College the Terrapins will encounter a team that may not be equipped to take advantage of that problem. Steve Donahue’s Eagles have been one of the most disappointing teams in the country, and while their rigorous non-conference slate hasn’t done them any favors BC’s biggest problem is their poor defense.

According to kenpom.com Boston College ranks 265th in adjusted defensive efficiency and 332nd in turnover percentage, forcing a turnover on just 14.6% of their opponents’ possessions. And despite the presence of talented scorers like guard Olivier Hanlan (19.2 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.9 apg) and forward Ryan Anderson (18.0, 6.4), Boston College won’t have much of a shot at improving on their 16-17 record of a season ago if they don’t find a way to get better on the defensive end.

Both teams enter Thursday’s matchup with some positives to point to. Maryland has one of the most improved players in the country in sophomore Jake Layman (14.4 ppg, 6.0 rpg), classmate Charles Mitchell’s (9.4, 7.1) taken significant steps as well and Michigan transfer Evan Smotrycz (13.6, 7.3) has been an impact addition. As for Boston College the aforementioned Hanlan and Anderson are joined by Joe Rahon (12.0 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.2 apg) as double-digit scorers.

But as is the case with any team in the country, these teams will only improve if they can strengthen the areas that have proven to be weaknesses through the first nine games of the season.

Follow @raphiellej