BOSTON -- Tyrese Rice hit a shot-clock buzzer beating 3-pointer from New Hampshire with under 8:00 to go to trim the Friar lead to 27-21, which is where we now stand with 7:10 left in the half.

. . . The Celtics dancers are back and have multiplied. We can't question how things like this happen, but we can thank the powers-that-be for such instances.

. . . Despite being a virtual home game for BC, the building is a LOT flatter than it was for the first game when UConn fans brought great energy to the game. Perhaps the Eagle fans are still crying in their beer over the football's loss to Va. Tech in the ACC title game?

But that should be no excuse as the building is definitely a pro-PC crowd. (Providence is only about an hour away.)

. . . Celtics President Rich Gotham just walked by the Posting Up perch and paused to say hello. He is the team's second president ever after red Auerbach. Talk about tough shoes to fill.