Women’s Basketball: Hauck’s 20 points lead Terriers in comeback win
By: Andrew Mason
Last season, three of the final four losses for the Boston University women’s basketball team occurred after the Terriers failed to convert on a game-winning or tying basket. Tuesday night showed a different story.
Tied at 65, BU’s Katie Nelson (13pts, 4asts, 4stls) hit an and-one bucket with 29 seconds left to give the Terriers’ (2-2) their first lead since the first quarter. Although the ensuing
free-throw rimmed out, the scarlet and white’s defense was able to make one final stop and capture the come-from-behind 67-65 win over the Bryant University Bulldogs (2-3).
Keeping the Terriers within striking distance was senior Payton Hauck, whose 20 points off 8-10 shooting led the way for BU on Tuesday. The guard finished the efficient outing just three points shy of her career-high.
“[Bryant] couldn’t really keep [Hauck] in front–her penetration was killer tonight”, said Terriers’ head coach Marisa Moseley. “I was just really proud of her effort.”
Like the Terriers as a whole, shooting at an efficient rate hasn’t been easy for Hauck through the early part of the season. The York, Pennsylvania native came into the contest shooting just over 30 percent from the field.
“Tonight I didn’t force any shots and took what was given,” Hauck said. “That made it easier for my shots to fall.”
While Hauck proved to be stellar on offense, it was the BU defense that made the necessary 29-second stop to secure the victory and remain undefeated at home.
“We knew our plan defensively, and all being on the same page was crucial,” Hauck said. “That really helps, along with everyone giving their all, especially in those last few seconds.”
BU forward Nia Irving added 10 points and nine rebounds despite facing foul trouble throughout the night. For the Bulldogs, it was Sydney Holloway who tallied 23 points and nine rebounds, while Hannah Scanlan grabbed 14 points of her own.
The Terriers without junior guard Vanessa Edgehill, who is set to miss about a week due to a high-ankle sprain suffered in practice. Sophomore Tenisha Pressley (femur) is projected to return in early-to-mid December, while freshman Audrey Nicholson (knee) will miss the entirety of the season.
The Thanksgiving Break gives the scarlet and white a period to relax and heal up, as the team doesn’t return to campus to practice until Friday, in preparation for the University of New Hampshire Wildcats next Wednesday.
“Mentally and emotionally, it was crucial we went into the break with this win, and just go enjoy these few days with family,” said Hauck. “But we need to come back focused for our next game and work on what we learned from these last few.”
The Terriers and the Wildcats face off inside Case Gym on the campus of Boston University on Wednesday, Nov. 28. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m.
