The BC Farewell Tour is turning out to be a memorable one.

Despite the lowest attendance in the league (5,260), Boston College expects a sellout for its game against Georgetown. The expatriate Eagles arrive for Saturday's game with its highest national ranking ever, a 17-0 record, and a one of the most underrated big men in the nation who calls to mind Mike Sweetney circa 2002. And if BC some fans are troubled about dropping the likes of Georgetown and Notre Dame for rivalries with Clemson and Virginia Tech, they aren't showing it.

Though the Eagles have won their last three games by a combined ten points, its starting five is as complete a team unit as any in the league--and that's why the Jesuit school is one of two undefeated teams remaining in the land. Will another Jesuit school be the team to break that streak?

The Eagles are tough because its starting five owns a considerable height advantage. At guard, 6-4 Louis Hinnant and 6-5 Sean Marshall will be a strong test for Jonathan Wallace and Ashanti Cook. Hinnant leads the team in assists (75) but has shot only 31% from the floor this season, while Marshall (11.9 ppg, 46.5%) has done much better.

While considerable attention will rightly be paid to Craig Smith, Georgetown fans should focus instead on Jared Dudley. The 6-7 sophomore has averaged 25 points and 8 rebounds in his last three games, averaging less than two fouls per game. What has set BC apart this year is the ability of Dudley to help Smith down low: the two combine for almost 16 rebounds a game. BC owns a considerable advantage on rebounding and Smith will certainly be a key--he averaged 20 points and 13 rebounds in two games against GU last season.

7-0 Nate Doornekamp has started every game of his career at BC and while not known for big scoring numbers, he is capable on the defensive boards and will get his share of baskets during the game. BC's bench sees limited action but is led by sophomore guard Jermaine Watson, fourth on the team in scoring at 10.8 ppg and averaging nearly 22 minutes a game off the bench.

Despite its advantages with height, rebounding, and assists (18 a game), BC fans know they are in for a dogfight. Georgetown has traditionally played the Eagles close and the Hoyas "Prince-town" offense is a source of concern for a lot of Big East coaches. Here are three keys to the game:

1. Interior defense. Keeping Smith and Dudley off the boards gives the Hoyas a fighting chance. The play of Roy Hibbert inside is worth close attention.
2. Three Point Shooting. BC is near the bottom of the conference in three point shooting; but frankly, they haven't needed it as much, either. Georgetown needs 7 to 10 threes in this game. For the Hoyas to pull ahead, look for a bench player (Darrel Owens or Ray Reed) to have a big game from outside.
3. Composure. BC has got by more than a few opponents this season by frustrating them late. The lessons learned with recent games may prove crucial for the G-men as they enter the final minutes of play.

Make no mistake--the pressure is on the Eagles against a upstart Georgetown program that has already exceeded expectations. For Georgetown to contend, it must control the game with better shot selection and avoid fouls inside. Accomplish those two areas of the game, and the Conte Forum audience is in for a great finish to a once-great rivalry.