BOSTON (AP) -Rakim Sanders scored 22 points, Reggie Jackson 16 and Boston College held on for a 85-76 win over South Carolina after nearly blowing a 21-point halftime lead on Wednesday night.

It was the third straight win for the Eagles (9-4) after embarrassing home losses to Harvard and Rhode Island - both teams from weaker conferences.

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Biko Paris added 14 points, with four coming on free throws in the closing minute, for Boston College.

Devan Downey had 29 points and seven assists, and Brandis Raley-Ross scored 13 points for South Carolina (8-4).

The Gamecocks lost their third game to an Atlantic Coast Conference team this season. They also were beaten by Miami and Clemson.

South Carolina, which trailed 48-27 at halftime, quickly got back into the game by forcing turnovers and frustrating the Eagles' offense with a fullcourt press.