Hurricanes Can't Survive Overtime

By IRA KAUFMAN The Tampa Tribune

Published: Mar 10, 2007

TAMPA - With Jared Dudley struggling to find a comfort zone Friday, diminutive sparkplug Tyrese Rice stepped up big to keep Boston College competitive until the ACC Player of the Year arrived just in time.

The fourth-seeded Eagles rallied from a 14-point deficit in the second half and rode Rice's career-high 32 points to a 74-71 overtime triumph against gritty Miami, advancing to today's ACC Tournament semifinal against No. 1 seed North Carolina.

"Give Boston College a lot of credit - they never stopped playing," said Coach Frank Haith after the Hurricanes (12-20) almost pulled off a second consecutive upset against a conference power. "Rice was incredible. He made every big shot. He got in a rhythm early and he just got going."

In many ways, Miami's effort Friday was even crisper than the opening-round shocker against Maryland.

The Hurricanes made 15 of 24 shots in grabbing a 38-28 halftime advantage as Dudley was limited to zero points and one rebound. Rice kept the Eagles close with 16 first-half points, but Boston College (20-10) often settled for long jump shots while Miami kept attacking the basket.

"They made some great shots and played extremely hard," Boston College coach Al Skinner said of the Hurricanes, who were led by Jack McClinton's 16 points. "We were just real fortunate to win."

Consecutive dunks by Dwayne Collins to open the second half forged a 42-28 lead before Dudley finally appeared on the scoreboard with two free throws. The 6-foot-7 senior finished with 12 points, five rebounds, four assists and five turnovers in playing the entire 45 minutes.

"It's my last go-around now," said Dudley, who averaged 22 points against Miami in two regular-season wins. "I didn't play that well today, but we won. I don't get frustrated when I don't score. But you could tell they wanted it a little more … that was my frustration."

Miami still led 58-48 with 7:19 remaining before the Eagles closed with a 16-6 burst to force overtime. Rice, a 6-foot-1 sophomore guard, nailed a 3-pointer with 32 seconds remaining to tie the score 64-64 before Miami's Anthony Harris missed on a last-second driving attempt.

Dudley provided half of Boston College's 10 points in overtime, putting the Eagles ahead 72-71 on a 3-point play off an offensive rebound with 1:51 left.

Miami then frittered away several opportunities as McClinton and Harris missed 3-point attempts.

With the game on the line following a timeout, McClinton passed up a 12-footer and drew two defenders on a drive down the left side. His awkward attempt at a scoop shot hit the side of the backboard with 4.1 seconds remaining, leading to two Rice foul shots for the final margin.

"I had a pretty good look, I knew it wasn't going to be a perfect look," McClinton said. "I got enough space and I just missed it. We drew up a play. That's what the play was and we had the open look."