Men’s Basketball: Terriers fall at home to Navy

By Kaan Oguz

Boston University Terriers Men’s Basketball (8-14, 3-6 PL) lost against Navy Midshipmen (16-6, 8-1 PL) 50-58 after a brutal second half at their home court, Case Gym, in Patriot League action. This became the fourth loss of the Terriers in the last five games.

Boston University came out with strong energy on both ends of the floor, opening the game on a 14–0 run and holding Navy scoreless for more than six minutes. The Terriers set the tone defensively early, forcing turnovers and limiting clean looks as they controlled the pace. BU’s early ball movement translated into quality perimeter looks at first, and afterwards they managed to pressure Navy’s paint which allowed the Terriers to build a modest cushion before Navy found its rhythm.

The Midshipmen eventually settled into the game with a 10-0 reaction, found consistent half-court execution and work on the glass. Navy began chipping away at the deficit with a series of mid-range jumpers and second-chance opportunities, while BU’s offense slowed as the half progressed. Although the Terriers maintained the lead for most of the opening period, Navy closed the half with increased physicality, trimming the margin to 27–21 at the break.

Momentum shifted decisively after halftime. Navy tightened its defense and controlled the boards, limiting Boston University to one shot at most per possession. The Midshipmen methodically erased the deficit, taking their first lead of the night less than seven minutes into the second half. From that point forward, the Navy dictated the tempo and never looked back.

Boston University struggled to penetrate into the paint in the second half, which exterminated their easy field goals, and consequently, they scored 23 points in the final minutes. The Terriers fought to stay within striking distance behind interior scoring from Ben Defty and timely perimeter shooting from Michael McNair, but Navy offense, which had already found its rhythm, could not be stopped. After scoring only one three-point jumper in the first half, they made 5 shots behind the arc, which helped them build the momentum.

Defty led Boston University with 19 points, 8-10 FG and eight rebounds, providing a consistent interior presence and battling through contact throughout the night. McNair finished with 13 points and connected on four three-pointers (the rest of the team had two), accounting for much of BU’s perimeter scoring. Chance Gladden added five assists but also five turnovers, though Navy’s defensive pressure limited his ability to create consistently in the second half.

Navy was paced by Austin Benigni, who scored a game-high 20 points and played a central role in the Midshipmen’s offensive efficiency after halftime. Navy shot significantly better from the field in the second half while forcing the Terriers to 14 turnovers (12 of them are live turnovers), creating the deficit on the scoreboard at the end.

The loss dropped Boston University to 6th place in the Patriot League standings. The Terriers, who have been plagued by injuries and rotation challenges throughout the season, will look to regroup as conference play continues. Despite the setback, BU’s early defensive intensity and first-half offense offered positives to build upon as the team prepares for its next matchup against Bucknell on Jan. 31, Saturday.