Men's Basketball: Central grad Roche makes most of start in BC win

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Tyler Roche made 10 straight field goals in a career game at Boston College, hanging 30 points on Dartmouth College on Friday night.

The senior captain from Manchester Central missed his first shot, then caught fire at Conte Forum, hitting four 3-pointers as the Eagles coasted to an 89-58 win in their season opener.

"He probably thought he was back in high school," BC coach Al Skinner said. "With Dartmouth coming from New Hampshire, he’s like, 'Oh, I can take care of this business tonight."

ROCHE

Did he ever. Roche, a 6-foot-7 forward, blocked a career-high five shots and added three rebounds.

BC suspended three players for breaking team rules – including returning starters Corey Raji and Rakim Sanders -- and Roche made his first start since sophomore year.

He never left the court in the first half, shooting 5-of-6 and leading the Eagles with 15 points at the break.

"Every time I go out there, I need to make a case for myself to get those minutes. I step on the floor with confidence now," said Roche, who logged 38 minutes.

Dartmouth didn’t hang around long. Back-to-back threes from Roche gave the Eagles a 28-16 lead with 7:42 on the board.

Roche’s previous high was 17 points last season against South Carolina Upstate.

In a momentary clash of New Hampshire natives, Roche swatted Gilford High’s Kirk Crecco as the Eagles toyed with Dartmouth in the second half. Crecco, a sophomore guard, had four points for the Big Green.

Many of the fans gave Roche a standing ovation when he finally exited the game – for the first time – with 1:50 remaining. BC hadn't seen a 30-point night since Tyrece Rice put up 46 against North Carolina in March 2008.

"I knew some extra minutes were coming my way, so I mentally prepared myself to stay in the game," Roche said. "Tonight I just felt really comfortable, and coach Skinner left me in there."