Boston College women’s basketball will face off against Rhode Island to kick off the 2018-19 regular season on Thursday night. After finishing just 7-23, including 2-14 in conference play, in Erik Johnson’s final year with the team, the Eagles look to experience a renaissance of sorts under new head coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee. The team sports a young roster this season—one that includes seven freshmen, as opposed to the Rams, who boast a more experienced lineup. The game will be a test of how well BC can work together with a bunch of new faces on the court.
Who is BC playing?
Rhode Island
Where is BC playing?
The Ryan Center, South Kingstown, R.I.
When is BC playing?
Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.
How to watch:
Live stats will be posted via GoRhody.com.
By the numbers:
BC:
1) The Eagles averaged just 58.2 points per game last season. Junior Taylor Ortlepp led the team with 12.3 points per contest.
2) The Eagles have zero seniors on the roster and seven freshmen—six more than their opponent. Returning players include juniors Emma Guy, Georgia Pineau, Taylor Ortlepp, and sophomores Milan Bolden-Morris and Sydney Lowery.
3) The team averaged 4.1 more turnovers per game than its opponents last year.
URI:
1) The Rams are coming off a 66-61 win in their season-opening exhibition against New Haven, but lost the final 10 games of the 2017-18 campaign.
2) URI’s roster features eight sophomores, four juniors, and two seniors. Against New Haven, senior Jalissa Ross controlled the boards and finished with an impressive statline. When all was said and done, she recorded 13 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and two blocks.
3) The Rams finished last season 3-27—and just 1-15 in the A-10—averaging 57.6 points per game.
Last meeting:
The Eagles haven’t squared off against URI since Dec. 8, 2007. BC engineered a 12-2 run at the start of the second half and never looked back, coasting to a 67-44 win, at the time, the Eagles’ fifth straight. Freshman Stefanie Murphy led BC with 26 points and 14 rebounds, logging her sixth double-double of the year.
Outlook:
Thursday night’s game will be a measure of the Eagles’ youth. The combination of a new head coach and freshmen filling half the roster will likely require more than one game to build camaraderie. Coming off an exhibition victory, the Rams will look to maintain their momentum, extending their 6-4 lead in the all-time series. BC will have to stay on its game all night, especially after halftime. Last year, URI scored its most points in the fourth quarter. Win or lose, the Bernabei-McNamee era begins on Thursday night.
Featured Image by Kaitlin Meeks / Heights Editor
