Luck Isn’t With Boston College

Boston College found out what UCLA, DePaul and San Francisco learned in years past -- Notre Dame isn’t where undefeated teams want to play.

Colin Falls matched his career high with 23 points and Chris Thomas added 19 points and nine assists as the Irish ended the fourth-ranked Eagles’ 20-game winning streak and handed them their first loss of the season, 68-65, on Tuesday night.

Boston College junior Craig Smith said the loss had nothing to do with the pressure of trying to stay undefeated. The key was the Irish caught the Eagles, 20-1 overall and 9-1 in the Big East Conference, a little off-guard with their zone defense, then shot 51% themselves.

“They got us out of our offense because of their defense and due to the fact they also were hitting shots,” he said. “When you’re home, it’s like that.”

The Irish held a 62-54 lead, but the Eagles closed to 62-59 as Jared Dudley made two free throws and then converted a three-point play.

But Thomas ensured the Irish (14-6, 6-4) didn’t have another meltdown, making four free throws over the final 1:11 to give Notre Dame a 66-59 lead.

“I just tried to smile and have fun out there,” he said.

The Eagles were the latest team to arrive at the Joyce Center undefeated and leave with a loss. The most famous Irish win over an unbeaten team occurred in 1974, when UCLA came in 13-0 and on an 88-game winning streak. The Bruins lost when the Irish outscored the Bill Walton-led Bruins, 12-0, over the final 3:32 to win, 71-70.

The Irish also beat San Francisco (29-0) in 1977 and DePaul (25-0) in double overtime in 1980.