Men’s Basketball: BU Faces Loyola

By: Matt Doherty

Looking for their third consecutive victory, the BU Men’s Basketball team will host Loyola Maryland on Monday night at Case Gym at 7:30.

After dropping their first three Patriot League games, the Terriers come into Monday’s matchup riding momentum with back to back wins over Lafayette and American in league play.

BU has relied heavily on their defense as of late holding Lafayette and American to just 47 and 50 points respectively, their lowest consecutive game total since 2011.

Sitting at 9-9, 2-3 PL, the Terriers have a chance to reach the .500 mark with a win against Loyola Maryland.

The Greyhounds come in at 4-12 overall but 3-2 in the league with wins over American, Lafayette, and Lehigh. After the starting the season 1-10 in non-conference play, Loyola has responded well as of late despite dropping their last two contests to Army and Navy.

Just like Boston University, improved defense has helped Loyola so far in Patriot League play.

Andre Walker leads the Greyhounds in scoring with 13.3 PPG including 16.4 in the league followed by a balanced scoring attack of Jared Jones (12.8), Tyler Hubbard (11.8), and Eric Laster (10.1).

The achilles heel for Loyola has been rebounding though as they are in the bottom of the league in rebounding defense allowing 36 boards a game to their opponent.

The Terriers will rely heavily on Nick Havener and Nathan Dieudonne hitting the glass and creating second chance opportunities.

With Cheddi Mosely sidelined with a foot injury, junior Eric Fanning has picked up the slack scoring the basketball. If Mosely is unable to go tonight, Fanning as well as senior John Papale will need to continue scoring the ball at a high rate.

These two teams will meet for the second time in three years on MLK Day. The matchup tonight is scheduled for a 7:30 PM tip-off and can be seen live on national television on the CBS Sports Network.