Boston College out to keep rhythm against Loyola-Maryland

Boston College will attempt to remain unbeaten at home Tuesday when it plays a nonleague game against Loyola-Maryland in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

The Eagles (2-1) have won both games played on their home court this season. Their lone loss came against VCU (80-55) in the Veterans Classic played in Annapolis, Md.

Three BC players are averaging at least 11 points per game: Donald Hand Jr. (18.7), Elijah Strong (12.7) and Chad Venning (11.0). Strong had 25 points and 13 rebounds in Friday's 72-69 victory over Temple. BC shot 56.3 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes of that game.

"We had a rhythm in the first half and I want to see that rhythm more," BC coach Earl Grant said following the Temple victory. "We played about 28 minutes of great basketball and then it was 12 where we weren't playing the best basketball. But it's the third game of the year so we have to get it closer to 30 minutes, 32 minutes. You keep building to get better as you go."

Loyola (2-2) is coming off Saturday's 83-57 loss to VCU. The Greyhounds, who are 1-1 on the road, trailed by six points at halftime but were outscored 47-27 in the second half.

Loyola enters Tuesday's contest leading the Patriot League in 3-point percentage defense (23.5). Loyola opponents have made 19 of 81 shots from 3-point range this season. No team has shot better than 31 percent from 3-point territory against the Greyhounds.

"We want to really cultivate the mindset that we are going to be a defensive team and take pride in stopping the opponent," first-year Loyola coach Josh Loeffler said.

Milos Ilic leads Loyola in scoring (11.8) and rebounding (8.3). Jordan Stiemke (10.8) and Braeden Speed (10.0) are the other Loyola players averaging at least 10 points per contest.

Tuesday's game will be the second meeting between the programs. BC prevailed 90-57 in 2008.

--Field Level Media