Boston College‘s promising run at the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic ended Sunday with a hard-fought 93-90 overtime loss to Tulane. Despite a late rally sparked by key performances from Donald Hand Jr. and Chase Forte, the Eagles couldn’t overcome a strong Green Wave team in the tournament’s consolation game, falling to 3-3 on the season. The contest, the first-ever meeting between the two programs, showcased a back-and-forth battle that ultimately came down to crucial possessions in overtime.
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A furious comeback fell just short for Boston College as they dropped a 93-90 overtime decision to Tulane Sunday evening in the consolation game of the Shriners Children’s Charleston Classic. The Eagles battled back from double-digit deficits and a late three-point hole, but ultimately couldn’t overcome a strong Green Wave performance.
Donald Hand Jr. led all scorers with a season-high 26 points, while Chase Forte added 22, also a season best, to pace the Boston College offense. The tournament provided a challenging early-season test for both programs.
FIRST HALF
Tulane opened the scoring with a mid-range jumper, but Hand Jr. quickly answered for Boston College with a driving layup, showcasing a crafty spin move to finish at the rim. The Green Wave then surged ahead with a 10-0 run, building a double-digit lead midway through the first half.
Forte ignited a Boston College rally at the 9:38 mark, hitting a stepback three-pointer from the corner to spark a 13-4 run for the Eagles. He continued his hot streak, adding another three and a tough floater to tie the game at 25-25. Tulane briefly regained a seven-point advantage, but Hand Jr. responded with a steal and a driving layup, drawing a foul and completing the and-one.
Hand Jr. then gave the Eagles their first lead of the night, sinking three consecutive free throws. Boston College took a 40-39 lead into the halftime break.
SECOND HALF
The second half featured a back-and-forth battle, with both Tulane and Boston College trading the lead. A stepback midrange jumper from Payne and free throws from Boden Kapke gave the Eagles a three-point cushion. Boston College maintained that lead until the 2:47 mark, when Tulane responded with a 6-0 run to regain control.
Trailing by three with just 51 seconds remaining, Hand Jr. delivered a clutch performance, pulling up from 30 feet and draining an and-one three-pointer to tie the contest at 77-77. Tulane answered with a basket, taking a three-point lead with 4.4 seconds left. However, Kapke provided a dramatic moment, launching a three-pointer from beyond the Charleston logo as time expired, sending the game to overtime.
OVERTIME
Hand Jr. opened the extra period with a pair of free throws. Tulane battled back to take a three-point lead, but Forte answered with a three-pointer of his own, tying the game at 90-90. A driving layup and a free throw put Tulane ahead by three once again, and they managed to hold on for a 93-90 overtime victory.
NOTABLES
Chase Forte had a standout performance, going 5-for-8 from behind the arc, a new career high. Both Donald Hand Jr. (26 points) and Forte (22 points) recorded season highs in scoring. T.J. Shaw also contributed with 10 rebounds, the second time he’s reached double figures in rebounding this season. Tonight’s game marked the first-ever meeting between Boston College and Tulane.
WHAT’S NEXT
Boston College returns to the Edgerley Family Court at Conte Forum for its final game in November, hosting Harvard on Wednesday, November 27. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. (ET) and the game can be seen live on ACCNX. The Eagles defeated Harvard 73-64 in their previous meeting in 2023.
