Eastern Washington @ Boston College preview

In Boston College's last two games, it has allowed 33 and 100 points, respectively. The Eagles continue their pursuit of an identity on the defensive end when they host Eastern Washington on Wednesday night.

After holding High Point to 25 percent shooting and forcing 29 turnovers in the 59-33 win last Wednesday, Boston College was throttled by the dynamic Belmont Bruins, who tied the Conte Forum record for made 3-pointers by an opponent with 15 while dominating the boards 36-22 to cruise to a 15-point win Saturday. "I was disappointed about how we guarded the ball, how we rotated. All the things we had done really, really well, we didn't do tonight," Eagles coach Jim Christian told reporters. "A learning lesson for a lot of guys. I'm disappointed in myself and the way we played today. We're a better basketball team than that." Eastern Washington of the Big Sky Conference won its first two games before dropping an 82-60 decision at Saint Louis last Wednesday. This matchup is part of the Gotham Classic, which will see Eastern Washington play High Point and Belmont and Boston College host Saint Louis in the coming days.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra

ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON (2-1): Picked to finish first in the Big Sky, Eastern Washington has a balanced attack with four players averaging at least 10 points per game and three others with 6.7 or more. Junior guard Jacob Davison leads the way with 14 points per contest, but he was held to just two on 1-of-6 shooting in the loss at Saint Louis. Sophomore forward Kim Aiken Jr. recorded his second straight double-double in the loss with 13 points and 13 rebounds, and he's averaging 12.7 points and 12 boards through the first three games.

ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (3-1): Christian's team had its highest scoring game in the loss to the Bruins as senior forward Nik Popovic led the way with 23 points on 8-of-11 from the floor. Senior guard Derryck Thornton fought through an ankle issue to produce 15 points and seven assists and he leads Boston College in both categories at 16.8 and 4.5, respectively. Junior forward Steffon Mitchell tops the team in rebounding (9.5), steals (2.5) and blocks (1.8), and he ranks second to Thornton with 4.3 assists per contest.

TIP-INS

1. Boston College sophomore F Jairus Hamilton (leg) has missed three straight games.

2. Eastern Washington freshman G Casson Rouse is 7-for-13 from 3-point range and 1-for-5 inside the arc.

3. The two Eagles squads will be meeting for the first time.

PREDICTION: Boston College 79, Eastern Washington 69