Monday, November 17th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Silvio O. Conte Forum (8,606) -- Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Television: ESPNU. Home Record: Loyola 1-1, BC 0-0. Away Record: Loyola 0-0, BC 0-0. Neutral Record: Loyola 0-0, BC 0-0. Conference Record: Loyola 0-0, BC 0-0. Series Record: First-ever meeting.

GAME NOTES: The Boston College Eagles get back to action tonight, as they entertain the Loyola Maryland Greyhounds in the first round of the NIT Season Tip-Off at the Conte Forum. The winner of this matchup will move on to face either St. John's or Cornell in the East Regional finals on Tuesday. The Eagles got their season underway this past Friday, scoring an 80-65 victory over Central Connecticut. It was solid beginning for BC, which figures to be competitive with two key starters back from a year ago. As for Loyola, it has already played two games on the young season, going an even 1-1. After opening the season with an 84-76 loss to Mount St. Mary's on Friday, the Greyhounds were able to rebound with a 73-70 triumph over Tennessee State on Sunday. Both games took place at home for Loyola, which is the 13th-seed in this tournament. BC, the fourth-seed, and the Greyhounds are meeting for the first- ever time tonight.

Brett Harvey scored 12 of the team's final 13 points, lifting the Greyhounds to a 73-70 win over Tennessee State on Sunday. Harvey finished the game with a career-high 34 points on the strength of 6-of-12 shooting from long range and 10-of-12 free throws. It was certainly a big time performance for Harvey, who scored 13 points in a season-opening loss to Mount St. Mary's. Jawaan Wright added 11 points and six boards last game after being limited to just three points in the opener. Loyola shot 41.8 percent from the field against Tennessee State and it capitalized on 19-of-26 free-throw chances.

The Eagles connected on 48.3 percent of their shots from the floor en route to an 80-65 win over Central Connecticut in their opener on Friday. BC also hit on 6-of-16 three-pointers and 16-of-25 free throws in the victory. Rakim Sanders led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds. It was a nice start for Sanders, who turned in 11.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg as a freshman last season. Joe Trapani, a Vermont transfer, added 13 points and nine boards, while Biko Paris chipped in with 12 points. Paris earned the start in place of Tyrese Rice, who was serving a one-game suspension for violation of team rules. Rice is a big time talent and he showed that by posting 21.0 ppg and 5.0 apg last season.

BC has the advantage of hosting this contest and it should be able to wear down a Loyola club that was in action just yesterday.

Predicted Outcome

Boston College 72, Loyola Maryland 60