BOSTON (AP) - Ky Bowman scored 24 points, Nik Popovic had 22 with a season-high 14 rebounds and Boston College beat Columbia 82-73 on Wednesday night.

Wynston Tabbs added 19 points for the Eagles (7-2). BC has won five of six games. Bowman added 10 rebounds.

Patrick Tape led the Lions (3-7) with 17 points. Randy Brumant and Quinton Adlesh each scored 16.

Bowman nailed a 3-pointer, hit two free throws and had a breakaway layup in the closing 2 1/2 minutes to help BC avoid an upset.

Columbia was hanging close into the final minutes until BC used a quick spurt to go up 67-58 on Bowman's jumper with 6 1/2 minutes left.

Trailing 38-32 at intermission, the Lions opened the second half by scoring the initial eight points to take their first lead since the game's opening minutes.

BC had opened a 37-25 lead on Bowman's second of consecutive 3s just 31-seconds apart, but the Lions scored seven of the last eight points, closing the gap to six at halftime.

BIG PICTURE

Boston College: The Eagles seemed like they were in control early, but some lackluster and sloppy play allowed Columbia to climb back into it. Stretches likely were because two reserve players had big minutes, but it's something BC can't afford against tougher opponents.

FOR STARTERS

Freshmen Chris Herren Jr. and Jairus Hamilton made their first collegiate starts.

Herren started in place of Jordan Chatman, who was sidelined with an injured right ankle that he rolled in practice. Hamilton was in because coach Jim Christian went with a smaller starting lineup.

UP NEXT

Boston College: Hosts Fairfield on Sunday.