COL BKB: Boston Col. 75, Connecticut 70

STORRS, Conn., Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Craig Smith put Boston College on top with 35 seconds left Wednesday night as the Eagles surprised No. 9 Connecticut, 75-70.

The game was the Big East Conference opener for both teams.

Jared Dudley scored 17 points and Smith had 16 in boosting Boston College to 12-0, the best start in school history.

Josh Boone paced Connecticut with 18 points and 15 rebounds. Connecticut, which had won its previous four, is 8-2 on the year.

The Eagles led by as many as 10 in the second half, but the Huskies rallied to draw even in the final minute.

But Smith hit two free throws with 35 seconds remaining to give Boston College the lead again and the Eagles held on for the upset.