Dance over

BC lost another close one, going down 4-3 to Army. The game ended on a controversial double play in the top of the ninth. If not for the DP, BC ties the game and has men on 1st and 3rd. Oh well. The second loss means the season is over. But it clearly was one to build on and showed BC could compete in the ACC and take the nations best team to 25 incredible innings.

Fact, Figures and Factoids from the "Austin Marathon"

BCeagles.com put out this great rundown of all the unique aspects of this crazy game:

-- Both teams received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the game
-- Texas had to reset the scoreboard twice to post the score by inning
-- It was 96 degrees at first pitch at 6:02 p.m. - The game finished at 78 degrees at 1:05 a.m.
-- Texas introduced the 21st inning stretch
-- Both teams used all of their position players
-- There were 683 pitches thrown in the game
-- Texas stranded 24 men on base
-- Belfiore, Hamlet and Lawrence each played three positions
-- Texas had three runs on 20 hits
-- Junior Chris Kowalski recorded his first-career at-bat
-- There were 11 walks in the game compared to 42 strikeouts
-- The 10 p.m. ET game at UC Irvine game started and finished
-- The 25-inning game was the longest game in NCAA baseball history. The previous longest game was a 23-inning game played between Louisiana-Lafayette and McNeese State on March 27, 1971. ULL won the game 6-5.
-- The game also marked the longest NCAA postseason game in history. The previous longest game was a 19-inning contest between Clemson and Fordham at the NCAA Northeast Regional in New Britain, Conn. on May 26, 1988.
-- Texas and Boston College combined to set NCAA records with 42 strikeouts, 222 total chances, 69 assists, 192 plate appearances and 171 at-bats.
-- Texas' 91 at-bats, 103 plate appearances, 115 total chances and 75 putouts set new NCAA records
-- Tucker and Torres set the NCAA single-game record for at-bats with 12 AB's against BC
-- Preston Clark's 33 putouts against BC set a new NCAA record for most single-game putouts.

BC loses the allnighter

BC was on the wrong end of history tonight, losing the longest game in NCAA history. 3-2 Texas doesn't tell the whole story. The real heroes were the middle relievers for both teams. It was a classic pitchers duel for most of the game. Belfiore was gutsy for BC and Texas' Wood was dominant.

Now BC has to turn around and play Army at noon ET to avoid elimination.

Unbelievable. I've watched a ton of baseball in my life and can't remember anything like this. Let's hope BC can bounce back quickly and get another shot at the Longhorns.

Reminder on the BC-Texas game

You can watch the video stream of tonight's game at 7 pm ET on CBS's All Access player.

Herzy talks candidly to Rivals

For the first time, Herzy is vocalizing what many of us have assumed since news of his cancer first broke:

"Playing again is a goal," said Herzlich, who would have been a consensus preseason All-America selection and a top prospect for the 2010 NFL draft. "But from what the doctors say, it isn't very likely. Once they do the surgery to remove the tumor, it will be pretty damaging to my leg.

His football career only matters in the sense that I don't want him to give up his love or give up his goals. But ultimately it doesn't really matter. What matters is his health. That's where his focus should be and I know that is where most BC fans are focusing.

Basketball Season Grades: Rakim Sanders

[We now continue with the longest delayed series in atleagle history...]

When pinpointing the difference between last season and the '07-'08 campaign, you don't need to look much further than Rakim Sanders. Always considered to be the most talented recruit of his class, Sanders showed this year he has the ability to lead a team, create mismatches with any player in the league and make a big play when the game is on the line.

Sanders accession didn't seem like a sure things when the season began. Early on you saw many of the same issues from his uneven freshman year. He'd be off on his shots. He'd shoot too much. He'd get in foul trouble. Slowly he turned a corner and the bigger the stage the better he played. His shot selection and defense were huge factors in our upset of UNC.

Despite his progression, Sanders still has areas in need of improvement. His handle in the open floor is not great. Even down the stretch he still had games where he committed stupid fouls. Considering how often he is touching the ball and the offense we run, he needs to improve his assist to turnover ratio. (Or even just be more careful with the ball.)

If he continues to improve Sanders should be all ACC next year. I am very excited for what he may do (and not just because of his late game heroics). His size and strength and ability to play inside and out could make him deadly when our offense is clicking. Think of all those easy baskets Smith and Dudley got in the flex. That could be Rakim next year as he pounds smaller wing players. Ultimately, he has the tools to be great. This year he showed glimpses of that greatness and the willingness to work to get there. For that he gets a strong grade.

Season Grade: A-

A win 42 years in the making

Things are never easy for BC fans. First time in the NCAA's in four decades and you'd think things would be easy. Nope. BC's first game was a roller coaster. Tight early, fall behind, big rally and nearly let the game get away in the bottom of the 9th. BC held on to beat Texas State 8-7. BCeagles.com has photos and links. BC takes on top seed Texas on Saturday.

If you missed the game or scrambled to find an internet feed, you can get audio streams from bceagles.com throughout the tournament.

Playing in Atlanta and other links

The BCI guys touched on this a little, but I wanted to comment on the ACC-SEC kickoff game in Atlanta. Most BC fans have probably written off our chances of ever getting in the game since we won't bring the fans. While we won't be in the regular rotation I do think BC will get its shot one day. In part because we are a proven TV draw. In part because UGA will want to play in the game in the near future and would probably want an opponent that would not travel and turn it into a home game for them. And finally because I plan on joining the Atlanta Sports Council and pushing BC every year. I am totally serious about that last point. My new real job (which has altered blogging patterns around here) has relevancy to the Council and it is on my to do list. Give me a year or two of paying my dues and I'll work my way onto the selection committee. I'll let you know when I join. Too show you how busy I've been lately though, I've yet to call DirecTV to get my DVR which means I've been TIVOless for a week. To those who know me, that is a big deal. Enough personal stuff...more links...

BC got a big recruit on the hockey front.

Tony Sanchez is climbing up draft boards.

There is a new movie about the BC-BU hockey rivalry called "The Battle of Comm Ave." You can watch the trailer here.

Former Eagle Ryne Reynoso is putting together a nice season in Double A.

Brian St. Pierre has a legit shot at being the Cardinals' No. 2 QB.

The nice thing about BC's baseball run is the attention some of the players are finally getting including Barry Butera, Jr.

HD thinks late September will make or break our season.

Baseball previews and other links

Brian Foley's crew at the The College Baseball blog put up their preview of our regional. For those new to college baseball, the format for the regional is at the bottom of the post.

BC Sports Information department put up an extensive preview of the weekend and a lengthy recap of the personalities and highlights of the season.

ESPN also put up a regional breakdown.

The women's sailing team finished third at nationals.

NESN will have a full interview with Herzy this weekend.

Another rehash of the obvious, HD thinks our secondary will be good.

More on potential recruits Brandon Sacco and Blake Lueders.

Sailing stuff and other links

It's late spring so that means the sailing team is kicking ass all over the water again. The women's team is in California and sit in third place in the standings. They are not far off the lead and will have a chance to pass ODU and Yale this week.

The Boston media is paying attention to BC baseball. The Herald, NESN and the Globe all had features today.

In the middle of this article is an update on a new BC recruiting target. We are looking at Henry Anderson who is a tall tackle/defensive end from Georgia. BC is also involved with this Jersey product.

The SEC coaches are whining about an supposed unfair recruiting restriction that helps ACC teams.

More on Herzy and other links

Thanks to all those who sent the latest Herzy article along. Not much new, but more positive quotes from Mark. He says the effects of chemo haven't hit him yet.

Did you know the the biggest college baseball blog was founded by a BC guy? Brian sat down with the BCI guys to talk about BC playing in the Big Dance. Look for his previews in the coming days.

Tom Dienhart and HD both both have BC qbs on their minds. A lot of talk but no real news or analysis. I know I've been slacking a bit of late (real life interrupts on occasion) but my plan is to have looks at our QBs and at Tranq this summer.

Dancing

The baseball team made the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1967. Congrats. Their first game is Friday in Austin. I hope local alums turn out to support the boys.

Bubble watch and other links

Baseball America lists Duke as a bubble team and thinks BC is in already. Official announcement and pairings are announced Monday.

BC had two players make the tournament team.

Attendance has been an issue in Durham this week. Can you imagine how things would have looked in Fenway?

Some may remember the name Arthur Ray. He committed to BC out of high school and then made a last minute switch to Michigan State. He has yet to play a down for the Spartans as he was diagnosed with cancer shortly after signing day. His courage and positive influence should serve as a good model for Herzy. (Thanks to Scott for the link.)

I asked this on Twitter, but if anyone has experience with DirecTV's DVR vs buying another stand alone Tivo DVR, please let me know.

Fenway for football?

Fenway was supposed to host the ACC Baseball Tournament. There has been talk of playing a BC-BU ice hockey game there and I've floated the idea of a bowl game in Fenway, but no one has seriously considered a regular season game there in decades. That didn't stop Ivan Maisel from listing it as a location for a BC-Auburn game (thanks to Kevin for the link). The novelty and the SEC opponent would allow for inflated ticket prices that would easily exceed any lost revenue from moving the game from Alumni. I don't think this type of game will happen nor would I want it to be a regular occurrence, but one game against a marquee team in Fenway would be huge.

Did baseball do enough? and other links

The BC baseball team finished 2-1 in their ACC Tournament pool. However, it wasn't enough to advance within the conference championship. But the positive showing could be enough to get BC into the NCAA Tournament. This projection has BC in and so does this blogger.

HD looked at the new coaches in the ACC and predicted a 5-7 start to the Spaz era. Not all bad press from HD today. She gives much deserved credit to Bowman and Davis.

Despite starting all 16 games last year and playing well, the Bears still think Josh Beekman is undersized.

Baseball bounces back and other links

The baseball team beat Georgia Tech today. Hooray -- our first ACCT win! BC plays Miami in the final pool game. Today's win might have been enough to get into the NCAA Tournament, but a win tomorrow would really help the resume.

HD thinks BC needs McLaughlin back and effective.

The ACC's push for an early signing period is getting more national attention.

Baseball loses opener of the ACC Tourney and other links

BC's first ACC Tournament got off to a rough start. The baseball team lost to Florida State 7-2. They face Georgia Tech on Thursday. You can watch the GT game on NESN.

BCI digs deeper into the basketball attendance issue. I think all the factors they mention contribute to the overall shortfall. No one seemed to like my solution of having fewer seats for hoops.

Matt Tennant is on the Rimington Trophy Watch List. I am unconcerned about his trophies. I just want him healthy.

Reason 193 why it is good to be in the ACC

I know the Mobile stuff rubbed people the wrong way, but this Big East-Gator Bowl showdown is yet another reminder that our bowl situation would be worse had we stayed in the Big East. Although it appears the ACC is set during the latest round of bowl changes, things like the hybrid process help the conference and BC. The more partners involved the fresher we become to potential hosts. Right now you can write off Jacksonville, Nashville and Charlotte for BC based purely on those cities recent experiences with us. However, a new spot via a potential hybrid (especially in the west) may bring new games into the mix.

Herzy starting chemo and other links

In an interview with the Globe Herzy announced that he begins chemo Tuesday. As you can see from the "pain in the ass" comment at the end of the article, Mark hasn't lost his sense of humor.

BCI tackles the basketball attendance issue. They look at how size impacts our ranking. I actually think Conte is too big. At least too big given the demand. We've seen that consistent winning basketball is not enough to fill the building. I think reconfiguring to a smaller size is the way to go. If there is real demand for the seats and real consequences for the season ticket holders to use their seats, attendance patterns might change.

Here is a preview of the ACC Baseball Tournament. BC needs a win or two to assure a spot in the NCAA tournament.

Gos is adjusting to the new scheme in Detroit.

What you can do

I've had a couple people email me with ideas on how to help Herzy or wondering if I knew of anything going on with Mark or his Family. I don't. And with their desire for privacy I don't think they will create anything yet. Plus it is too early. I don't think the opportunities and needs surrounding Mark's illness are even their priority. I imagine his health is.

That said, if Herzy's situation has moved you and you want to do something big or small, here are some ideas.

-- Give blood and/or blood platelets. Most major cancer centers have donations opportunities. So should your local Red Cross center.

-- Give to the Flynn Fund. The Flynn Fund is how guys like Mark Herzlich even get a chance to shine and thrive at BC.

-- Give to a cancer center, the American Cancer Society or local hospital. Give in your name. Give in Mark's. It doesn't matter. Your donation will help, especially with non profits struggling in the current economy.

-- Give your time locally. Many BC Alumni chapters groups have been involved in Relay for Life. BC Mike and the Atlanta crew had a good showing just last week at the Atlanta Relay for Life.

-- Give to Penn Health. Based on Mark's statements, it seems like the Philadelphia Health Complex will be where he gets his primary treatment.

-- Give to the Jay Fund Foundation. Different BC player. Different type of cancer. But McGillis and Herzlich embody the good things about BC.

There are hundreds of other things you can do. Post good ideas in the comments section.