Men’s Basketball: Terriers Topple American University at Home

Featured image by Troy Bolduc

By Austin Rayamajhi

Boston University Men’s Basketball (8-8, 2-1 PL) battled the American University Eagles (7-9, 1-2 PL) on Wednesday night, resulting in a thrilling 60-54 win for the Terriers.

“We try to focus on one game at a time,” said sophomore guard Michael McNair. “Whatever team we’re playing, we just gotta attack them like we’re supposed to.” 

Both teams traded baskets in the early portion of the game. Graduate guard Miles Brewster got the scoring going for BU, splashing a three point shot a couple minutes into the game. 

The action continued back and forth for both teams until deep into the first half. The Eagles were able to create a bit of separation with five minutes left as senior forward Matt Rogers drilled a jumper and hit a free throw as part of an 11-4 run for American. This extended the Eagles lead to nine, which was the largest of the half. 

The Terriers responded to this run with their own 9-0 run to close the half. McNair hit two threes while being assisted by Junior forward Nico Nobili on consecutive possessions. Sophomore guard and BU leading scorer Kyrone Alexander hit a buzzer beating three to tie the game at 30 heading into the half. 

Both teams went to the break looking to build on some aspects of their performance in the first half. BU had the advantage in the rebounding department while American had shot over 40% from three. Both teams also hoped their leading scorers, Rogers and McNair, continued their performances as they were the only two players to score double digits in the first half. 

The second half started in a similar fashion to the first half, as both teams scored five points in the first three minutes. The Terriers were able to go on a 13-2 run sparked by Alexander. He was able to reach double digits for the game, scoring six points in the midst of this run. The suffocating defense allowed just two points over ten minutes of game time.  

The Eagles were finally able to break the run from BU after Senior guard Colin Smalls hit a jumper with eight minutes left in the game. BU led by 11 points at their peak, but the Eagles were able to cut into their lead heading into crunch time. 

American was able to reduce their deficit down to six points with three minutes remaining in the game. Alexander and senior forward Malcolm Chimezie both scored, bringing the lead back up to nine for the Terriers with 49 seconds left in the game. 

After a couple quick scores for the Eagles, the lead was just five with 30 seconds left in the game. BU missed a few free throws to allow American a glimmer of hope, but the Eagles were not able to capitalize on these chances. BU ultimately closed the game out by making their free throws, making five of their last six chances.

The story of the game for the Terriers was their defense, specifically in the 2nd half. The 54 points scored by American was the fewest points allowed by BU all season. In the second half, the Terriers allowed just one three point shot from the Eagles, dropping their percentage from over 40% in the first half to 28.6% for the game. 

“Practice, staying consistent in practice,” said Brewster. “Staying committed to the things that lead to winning. Just staying consistent.” 

BU will continue Patriot League play on the road against Colgate on January 11th, with the game streaming on ESPN+.