A year after the Terrapin men’s basketball team was forced to play its final 15 games without leading scorer Chris McCray, two other programs must finish their seasons without key contributors.

Two weeks ago, Boston College dismissed elite shot blocker Sean Williams and forward Akida McLain for an unspecified violation of team rules, and last week Notre Dame reportedly suspended point guard Kyle McAlarney for the semester after his arrest on marijuana possession charges.

Williams started 15 games for the Eagles, averaging 12.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5 blocks per game. He recorded seven blocks in Boston College’s win against the Terps on Dec. 10

Citing McAlarney’s mother, The Associated Press reported the Fighting Irish guard was suspended from the team for the rest of the season and from attending classes this semester after a December arrest for possessing marijuana.

McAlarney averaged 10.3 points per game, starting 12 games including the Irish’s BB&T Classic win against the Terps in which he was the game’s leading scorer. Against the Terps, McAlarney went 4-for-6 from 3-point range and finished with 18 points.

The dismissals of Williams and McAlarney could affect the tournament statuses of Boston College and Notre Dame as McCray’s suspension hampered the Terps – who went 6-9 down the stretch without McCray.

Key wins last year the Terps notched early in the season may not have been looked upon as highly by the selection committee because McCray was not on the team that was being considered for the NCAA tournament.

Boston College lost to Duke 75-61 last night, making them 14-6 overall. Notre Dame is 17-4 after beating Villanova on Saturday.

n Clock costs Clemson, ticks off country

When a clock mistake plays a major role in the final seconds of a game, people get angry. When Duke is involved, it becomes a firestorm of controversy.

Thursday night at Cameron Indoor Stadium, that very scenario unfolded. The final seconds were marred by a time-keeping error that gave the Blue Devils a couple extra seconds, which they used to beat Clemson 68-66.

With five seconds left on the clock and the Tigers trailing by three, Clemson guard Vernon Hamilton caught Duke’s inbounds pass and drilled a 3-pointer to tie the game. The only problem was the clock didn’t start until the ball was almost through the basket.

The referees put 4.4 seconds on the clock. In that time, Duke’s Josh McRoberts passed the ball inbounds to Jon Scheyer, who dribbled to mid-court before lofting a perfect pass to David McClure. McClure laid the ball into the basket for the win as time expired.

From video replays, it appeared the clock should have been reset with 2.8 seconds remaining, and ACC coordinator of basketball officials John Clougherty admitted a mistake was made.

“The league acknowledges that a timing error was made in not starting the game clock at the correct time,” Clougherty told reporters Friday.

Editorials and blogs around the country have exploded about the clock issue, which has an added layer of controversy because of Duke’s infamy when it comes to officiating.

In the grander scheme, the result shouldn’t prevent Clemson from making the NCAA tournament, given its 18-4 record.

n Carolina crushes Arizona

At the beginning of the season, Terp coach Gary Williams echoed the sentiment around the conference that the ACC was very much headlined by North Carolina with a host of other teams clawing for position beneath the Tar Heels. Saturday, North Carolina proved yet again that it belongs as an upper echelon team nationally as it went on the road and demolished Arizona 92-64.

Even without starting forward and second-leading scorer Brandan Wright, the No. 4-ranked Tar Heels tore through No. 17 Arizona like they have through most of the ACC. Getting a career-high 18 points from guard Ty Lawson, North Carolina (19-2, 5-1 ACC) handed the Wildcats their worst home loss under legendary coach Lute Olson. In his post-game press conference, Olson offered up a chilling observation to the Tar Heels’ future opponents.

“North Carolina is very, very, very good and will get even better with the number of young players that they have,” he said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Contact reporter Stephen Whyno at whynodbk@gmail.com.