CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. – Bentley University senior forward Tyler McFarland (Rockport, Maine/ Camden Hills HS) and classmate Alex Furness (Wells, Maine/Wells HS) combined for 46 points as Bentley University gave Boston College a battle most of the night before falling to the Eagles, 85-75, in exhibition men's basketball at the Conte Forum Thursday evening.

McFarland knocked down seven three-pointers en route to 27 points while Furness hit six of seven shots, including four triples, during a 16-point performance.

There were seven lead changes in the first six minutes of the second half before BC embarked on a 18-2 burst to open a 75-61 lead with 6:11 left. During that stretch, the Falcons came up empty on 13 of 14 shots.

Down 44-42 at the break after Florida transfer guard Eli Carter (Paterson, N.J.) hit a driving lay-up for the Eagles with about a second left, Bentley came out strong in the second.

McFarland connected twice from deep, once from each wing, for the second half's first six points and a 48-44 lead. After a three-point play from freshman guard Jerome Robinson (Raleigh, N.C.) got BC on the second half scoreboard, Furness countered with a triple from the right corner, restoring the four-point advantage.

Following a series of lead changes, Bentley freshman guard Ryan Richmond (Toronto, Ont./ Thompson Collegiate) knocked down a three to put the visitors up for the final time, 59-57, with 14:15 left.

BC seven-foot senior Dennis Clifford (Bridgewater) evened the game with two free throws and followed with a lay-up, launching the decisive run.

McFarland, after scoring only two in the first 14 minutes, had 13 by the break with five of those coming during a late 11-1 run that tied the contest at 42-all. Grad student Keegan Hyland (South Portland, Maine/South Portland HS) was also in doubles for Bentley, with ten points and five rebounds.

Carter had 25 of BC's 44 first-half points and finished with 33 points and two steals in his Eagle debut. Clifford put up a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double and Robinson filled the stat sheet with 14 points, six rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

BC outshot the Falcons 56-38 percent and finished with a plus-two rebound advantage, 39-37, after trailing in that category most of the way. Bentley drew four charges and finished with three fewer turnovers (12-15), which produced a 19-13 advantage in points off.

The Falcons will open their season Nov. 13-14 with games against Concordia, N.Y., and Caldwell in the annual Bentley Tip-Off Classic.