OPENING TIP: The Boston University men's basketball team concludes its seven-game road swing with an America East conference game at UMBC Thursday night in Baltimore, Md. Game time is 7 p.m. at the RAC Arena, as BU (5-8, 2-0 America East) attempts to maintain its share of first place in the league standings. The Terriers are tied with Albany, which plays at home against Maine on Saturday. UMBC (5-7, 1-0) will be looking for its first win over BU since joining the America East in the 2003-04 season, as the Terriers are 4-0 against UMBC in that time. BU is coming off a 57-55 loss at Holy Cross on Monday and is currently 3-3 on its 36-day journey between home games. BU has now won five of its last eight games to partially recover from an 0-5 start. BU played one of the most difficult schedules in the nation in the first part of the year, and as of Dec. 9, USA Today's Sagarin rating had the Terriers' docket as the sixth-toughest in the country. Four of BU's first five opponents (Duke, Michigan, Rhode Island and George Washington) had combined for a 37-7 record as of Jan. 3.

 ABOUT UMBC: The Retrievers are coming off a 95-82 win over Navy on Tuesday night. They are led by John Zito, who is averaging team-highs of 15.2 ppg and 6.9 rpg on the season, and Jerrell Dinkins, who is averaging 12.2 ppg and 5.7 rpg. UMBC is 4-1 at home this season, including an America East-opening victory over Stony Brook, 72-57 on Dec. 10. The Retrievers are shooting 43.1% from the field, while foes are hitting at a 45.7% clip, and UMBC has been outscored by an average of 70.6-66.6 on the year.

The Retrievers are coming off a 95-82 win over Navy on Tuesday night. They are led by John Zito, who is averaging team-highs of 15.2 ppg and 6.9 rpg on the season, and Jerrell Dinkins, who is averaging 12.2 ppg and 5.7 rpg. UMBC is 4-1 at home this season, including an America East-opening victory over Stony Brook, 72-57 on Dec. 10. The Retrievers are shooting 43.1% from the field, while foes are hitting at a 45.7% clip, and UMBC has been outscored by an average of 70.6-66.6 on the year.

 RADIO-TV COVERAGE: The BU-UMBC contest will be broadcast on radio on WTTT-1150-AM. Doug Brown and Dave Wallace - the captain of Dennis Wolff's first BU team back in 1994-95 - will provide the call. The radio broadcast can be accessed on the internet at http://www.bu.edu/athletics/fans/tv-radio-schedule.html.

The BU-UMBC contest will be broadcast on radio on WTTT-1150-AM. Doug Brown and Dave Wallace - the captain of Dennis Wolff's first BU team back in 1994-95 - will provide the call. The radio broadcast can be accessed on the internet at http://www.bu.edu/athletics/fans/tv-radio-schedule.html.

 TERRIFIC THURSDAY: BU puts an odd streak on the line vs. UMBC, as the Terriers have not lost a game played on a Thursday in almost three years. BU has won nine straight Thursday games, including three this season (New Hampshire, Canisius and UC Riverside). The last Thursday loss came at St. Joseph's on Dec. 5, 2002.

BU puts an odd streak on the line vs. UMBC, as the Terriers have not lost a game played on a Thursday in almost three years. BU has won nine straight Thursday games, including three this season (New Hampshire, Canisius and UC Riverside). The last Thursday loss came at St. Joseph's on Dec. 5, 2002.

BU HISTORY VS. UMBC: BU leads the all-time series 7-1 and has won five straight. The Terriers swept the Retrievers last season, winning 67-51 on Jan. 13 in Boston and 61-51 on Feb. 9 in Baltimore. UMBC's only victory in the series came on Jan. 5, 1995, 60-57 in Baltimore, during Dennis Wolff's first season on the Terrier bench. BU earned a measure of revenge the following year, beating the Retrievers 70-56 at the Roof.

BU leads the all-time series 7-1 and has won five straight. The Terriers swept the Retrievers last season, winning 67-51 on Jan. 13 in Boston and 61-51 on Feb. 9 in Baltimore. UMBC's only victory in the series came on Jan. 5, 1995, 60-57 in Baltimore, during Dennis Wolff's first season on the Terrier bench. BU earned a measure of revenge the following year, beating the Retrievers 70-56 at the Roof.

 THE COACHES: The Terriers are led by 12th year head coach Dennis Wolff (Connecticut `78). Wolff is 197-141 (.583) in his career at BU, 227-159 (.588) in 14 years overall, including a 30-18 record in two seasons at Connecticut College. Wolff is the all-time leader in victories at BU, having surpassed Mike Jarvis (101) on Jan. 22, 2001. Wolff is a three-time America East Coach of the Year (1997, 2003, 2004) and has twice been named both NABC District I and New England Coach of the Year (1997, 2004).

The Terriers are led by 12th year head coach Dennis Wolff (Connecticut `78). Wolff is 197-141 (.583) in his career at BU, 227-159 (.588) in 14 years overall, including a 30-18 record in two seasons at Connecticut College. Wolff is the all-time leader in victories at BU, having surpassed Mike Jarvis (101) on Jan. 22, 2001. Wolff is a three-time America East Coach of the Year (1997, 2003, 2004) and has twice been named both NABC District I and New England Coach of the Year (1997, 2004).

Under Wolff, BU has dominated in America East play, sporting a stout 126-67 (.653) mark, including 72-25 (.742) in home league contests. Wolff has led the Terriers to at least a share of four America East regular-season titles (1997, 2002, 2003, and 2004) and two America East Tournament championships (1997, 2002). BU has advanced to a pair of NCAA Tournaments under Wolff and has won 20 or more games on five occasions during his tenure.

Wolff's assistants are Orlando Vandross (America International `92), Mike Winiecki (Richmond `89) and Mike Costello (BU `00).

UMBC is led by Randy Monroe (241-191, 15th season overall, 16-25, 2nd season at UMBC). Prior to being named head coach at UMBC, Monroe had served as an assistant for the Retrievers as well as at Vanderbilt, LaSalle and Cheyney.

 BU vs. AMERICA EAST: BU is in its 27th season of competition in the America East Conference. The Terriers were a charter member of the league formed in 1979-80 and known formerly as the ECAC North, the North Atlantic Conference and the America East, which has been the league's surname since the 1996-97 season. Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire are the only other schools to have remained in the league since its birth. BU has won or shared the league title on eight occasions: 1980, 1983, 1990, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004. The Terriers have represented the America East in the NCAA Tournament five times: 1983, 1988, 1990, 1997 and 2002.

BU is in its 27th season of competition in the America East Conference. The Terriers were a charter member of the league formed in 1979-80 and known formerly as the ECAC North, the North Atlantic Conference and the America East, which has been the league's surname since the 1996-97 season. Vermont, Maine and New Hampshire are the only other schools to have remained in the league since its birth. BU has won or shared the league title on eight occasions: 1980, 1983, 1990, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2003 and 2004. The Terriers have represented the America East in the NCAA Tournament five times: 1983, 1988, 1990, 1997 and 2002.

BU is 241-123 (.662) all-time against current league members. Coming into 2005-06, the Terriers had a 237-140 (.630) record in their 27 years of membership in the league, easily the best among the current teams. Vermont is second at 185-192 (.490).

Dennis Wolff is 97-33 (.746) all-time against current America East foes. A look at BU's all-time record against current members of the America East. Wolff's record followed in parentheses.

Albany 8-0 (8-0)

Binghamton 7-1 (7-1)

Hartford 32-15 (18-6)

Maine 48-37 (20-8)

UMBC 7-1 (5-1)

New Hampshire 84-34 (22-2)

Stony Brook 7-2 (7-2)

Vermont 48-33 (10-13)

 HOLY CROSS RECAP: Omari Peterkin scored a career-high 19 points and Kevin Gardner added 13, however the Terriers fell just short at Holy Cross, losing to the Crusaders 57-55 Monday night. BU, which led by four with four minutes remaining, relinquished the lead with 1:23 left and could not recover, as the Terriers lost to Holy Cross for the third straight season.

Omari Peterkin scored a career-high 19 points and Kevin Gardner added 13, however the Terriers fell just short at Holy Cross, losing to the Crusaders 57-55 Monday night. BU, which led by four with four minutes remaining, relinquished the lead with 1:23 left and could not recover, as the Terriers lost to Holy Cross for the third straight season.

BU led 51-47 with 4:01 left after Corey Hassan hit a pair of free throws, but Holy Cross roared back on two Kevin Hamilton free throws and a Torey Thomas three-pointer to take a 52-51 lead. A Peterkin hoop reclaimed the lead for BU, but Tim Clifford's bucket put Holy Cross ahead 54-53 with 1:23 left. Alex Vander Baan and Brian Macon traded free throws and the Crusader lead was 56-55. Thomas made one of two free throws with 5.7 seconds left, and Tony Gaffney's shot from the corner to tie at the buzzer fell short.

Thomas led Holy Cross with 14, while Hamilton had 12. BU outshot the Crusaders 44% - 40%, however the Terriers were victimized by 17 turnovers against an aggressive Holy Cross defense. BU was also just 11-23 from the free-throw line.

Gardner and Peterkin carried BU on their back in the early moments of the second half, scoring 14 of the Terriers' first 16 points after intermission. Gardner had eight consecutive BU points on strong low-post moves, and the duo helped the Terriers trim a 38-30 deficit to two, 40-38 with 12 minutes remaining. A Shaun Wynn put-back would tie the game at 40-40, and two athletic hoops by Tony Gaffney kept the score knotted at 44. Peterkin hit a jumper in the lane to give the Terriers a 46-44 edge with 6:08 remaining and it would be their first lead since the 12:53 mark of the first half.

BU went over eight minutes without a field goal in the first half, as the Holy Cross defense clamped up. After a Wynn bucket with 8:02 remaining tied the game at 19-19, the Crusaders went on an 8-1 run to take their biggest lead of the half, 27-20. The Terriers went into the halftime locker room with momentum, however, as Peterkin tipped in a Hassan miss at the buzzer, and despite the drought, the Terriers trailed by just five, 27-22.

 SIZZLIN' MACON: BU point guard Brian Macon had an auspicious beginning to his Terrier career. He committed 24 turnovers and had just 17 assists in his first five games - including seven turnovers in the season-opener at Duke. However, as he has adjusted to the BU offense, Macon has become a very steady hand at the point and has 38 assists and just 15 turnovers in his last eight games. He currently leads the team with 55 dishes and ranks third in the America East at 4.2 apg.

: BU point guard Brian Macon had an auspicious beginning to his Terrier career. He committed 24 turnovers and had just 17 assists in his first five games - including seven turnovers in the season-opener at Duke. However, as he has adjusted to the BU offense, Macon has become a very steady hand at the point and has 38 assists and just 15 turnovers in his last eight games. He currently leads the team with 55 dishes and ranks third in the America East at 4.2 apg.

 HOLY CROSS NOTABLE:

- Peterkin became the sixth different player to lead BU in scoring this season. He joins Ben Coblyn (Duke), Kevin Gardner (Michigan, URI, Maine, Canisius, UCR), Brendan Sullivan (Rider), Shaun Wynn (George Washington) and Corey Hassan (Harvard, UNH, Maine, UMass, Bucknell to top the team in scoring.

- After averaging 14.0 ppg in a pair of wins over UNH and Harvard, Peterkin had averaged just 4.3 ppg in his next four games. However in his last two performances (vs. UCR and HC), he is averaging 14.5 ppg and is shooting 12-20 (60%) from the field.

- Peterkin's top previous scoring output was 16 against New Hampshire on Dec. 8. He has scored in double figures four times this season (the first four such efforts of his career).

- Hassan saw his seven-game streak of scoring in double figures come to an end, as he managed just five against the Crusaders. Hassan had been averaging 15.7 ppg in his last seven games.

- Hassan has hit at least one three-pointer in each of BU's 13 games this season. It's the best run for a Terrier since Chaz Carr had treys in 20 straight games last year.

- Hassan has made 15 straight free throws since his last miss, at UMass. He is shooting a team-best 82% (22-27) from the line.

- Gardner came up big in the second half for the second straight game. He scored 10 points against the Crusaders to help BU turn a 38-30 deficit into an eventual 51-47 lead. Against UC Riverside on Dec. 29, he had 15 of his game-high 19 points after intermission. Gardner is averaging 14.0 ppg in his last four outings.

- As a team, the Terriers have been red hot shooting the ball in the second half as of late. BU shot 54.2% (13-24) against the Crusaders on Monday and hit a remarkable 70.4% (19-27) in the second half against UC Riverside. In the last two games combined, the Terriers are shooting 40.7% (22-54) in the first half, 62.7% (32-51) in the second half, and 51.4% (54-105) overall.

- BU reversed a trend of hot free-throw shooting when it went 11-23 (47.8% from the line). In its three previous contests, BU had shot better than 70% in each one, including a season-best 83.3% (10-12) vs. UCR.

- After having shot just 13 free throws in its first three games, the Terriers are 100-154 from the line in the last 10 contests. Opponents still hold a 204-167 advantage in free-throw attempts on the year and a 129-108 advantage in free throws made.

 A HELPING HAND: Senior Shaun Wynn continues to get his teammates the ball in scoring opportunities. Wynn has handed out 50 assists in 13 games - and has committed just 25 turnovers, a 2.0 assist:turnover ratio, which is second-best in the league. He had a stretch earlier this year where he had 12 assists and just one turnover in three games (Harvard, UNH, Maine). He had a game-high six assists at Duke (the same amount as the entire Blue Devil team) and seven against Michigan and UC Riverside. He has led the team in dishes six times this season. Last season, Wynn was fifth in the America East with 100 assists (3.4 apg) and he now has 262 for his career. Jeff Timberlake `89 holds the school record with 772 dishes, but Wynn could climb into the top-10 with a solid year; Jim Schwartz `97 currently is 10th all-time at BU with 332 assists.

Senior Shaun Wynn continues to get his teammates the ball in scoring opportunities. Wynn has handed out 50 assists in 13 games - and has committed just 25 turnovers, a 2.0 assist:turnover ratio, which is second-best in the league. He had a stretch earlier this year where he had 12 assists and just one turnover in three games (Harvard, UNH, Maine). He had a game-high six assists at Duke (the same amount as the entire Blue Devil team) and seven against Michigan and UC Riverside. He has led the team in dishes six times this season. Last season, Wynn was fifth in the America East with 100 assists (3.4 apg) and he now has 262 for his career. Jeff Timberlake `89 holds the school record with 772 dishes, but Wynn could climb into the top-10 with a solid year; Jim Schwartz `97 currently is 10th all-time at BU with 332 assists.

 GARDNER HARVESTING THE BOARDS: If there is a missed shot in a game, there is a good chance Terrier senior forward Kevin Gardner will be the one to grab the rebound. Gardner leads the team and is second in the America East with 7.2 rpg, and is on a pace to destroy his career-high on the boards. He passed the 400-rebound mark for his career against UNH (12/8) and now has 444. Gardner came in to 2005-06 with a 4.1 rpg average in his three years, with his best season of 5.7 rpg coming last year. He has already recorded games of 11 boards (Michigan 11/22, Canisius 12/22) and a career-high-tying 12 rebounds (URI 11/29) this season. In 85 previous games, Gardner had just three performances of 10 or more rebounds (@BC in 2003; Binghamton and Northeastern in 2005). Tunji Awojobi was the last Terrier to average double figures in rebounding in a single season, grabbing 10.2 caroms per game in 1996-97.

If there is a missed shot in a game, there is a good chance Terrier senior forward Kevin Gardner will be the one to grab the rebound. Gardner leads the team and is second in the America East with 7.2 rpg, and is on a pace to destroy his career-high on the boards. He passed the 400-rebound mark for his career against UNH (12/8) and now has 444. Gardner came in to 2005-06 with a 4.1 rpg average in his three years, with his best season of 5.7 rpg coming last year. He has already recorded games of 11 boards (Michigan 11/22, Canisius 12/22) and a career-high-tying 12 rebounds (URI 11/29) this season. In 85 previous games, Gardner had just three performances of 10 or more rebounds (@BC in 2003; Binghamton and Northeastern in 2005). Tunji Awojobi was the last Terrier to average double figures in rebounding in a single season, grabbing 10.2 caroms per game in 1996-97.

 HASSAN THE ASSASSIN: Just 13 games into the season, true freshman Corey Hassan is rapidly becoming one of the top three-point shooters in the America East. The Merrimack, N.H., product leads the team with 35 three-pointers, and has hit at least one in every game. Hassan has a chance to be one of the great freshman three-point shooters in school history. Paul Seymour made 70 threes as a rookie in 1999-2000, while Chaz Carr hit 45 during his freshman year of 2001-02. Hassan already ranks in the top-10 on that list, checking at tied for no. 5, and is on pace to can 76 treys on the year. Hassan leads the team in scoring with 11.8 ppg as well. The last freshman to lead BU in scoring was Tunji Awojobi, who averaged 18.9 ppg in 1993-94.

Just 13 games into the season, true freshman Corey Hassan is rapidly becoming one of the top three-point shooters in the America East. The Merrimack, N.H., product leads the team with 35 three-pointers, and has hit at least one in every game. Hassan has a chance to be one of the great freshman three-point shooters in school history. Paul Seymour made 70 threes as a rookie in 1999-2000, while Chaz Carr hit 45 during his freshman year of 2001-02. Hassan already ranks in the top-10 on that list, checking at tied for no. 5, and is on pace to can 76 treys on the year. Hassan leads the team in scoring with 11.8 ppg as well. The last freshman to lead BU in scoring was Tunji Awojobi, who averaged 18.9 ppg in 1993-94.

 BU TOP-10 FRESHMAN THREE-POINTERS MADE

 

No. Name Total Year1. Paul Seymour 70 1999-2000

2. Chaz Carr 45 2001-02

3. Tremain Byrd 38 1993-94

Jason Grochowalski 38 2000-01

5. COREY HASSAN 35 2005-06

LeVar Folk 35 1995-96

7. Raja Bell 33 1994-95

8. Mike Costello 32 1996-97

9. Mark Daly 22 1988-89

10. Brian Holden 21 1990-91

 WYNN IN THE RECORD BOOKS: After Wynn's lethally efficient season last year, in which he handed out 100 assists and recorded 53 steals while only committing 44 turnovers, the senior guard has an opportunity to leave his mark in the Terrier record books. Wynn has 141 career steals, placing him tied for seventh all-time at BU. Shawn Teague holds the school mark with 201 thefts, but a comparable season to 2004-05 could move Wynn as high as fourth. Wynn also has a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.94, the fourth-best in school annals. Jeff Timberlake (`89) is tops on the list at 2.24.

After Wynn's lethally efficient season last year, in which he handed out 100 assists and recorded 53 steals while only committing 44 turnovers, the senior guard has an opportunity to leave his mark in the Terrier record books. Wynn has 141 career steals, placing him tied for seventh all-time at BU. Shawn Teague holds the school mark with 201 thefts, but a comparable season to 2004-05 could move Wynn as high as fourth. Wynn also has a career assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.94, the fourth-best in school annals. Jeff Timberlake (`89) is tops on the list at 2.24.

 A FAMILY AFFAIR: For BU head coach Dennis Wolff, the office can feel like home sometimes. His son, Matt, is a sophomore guard on the Terriers this season. Matt Wolff, who is 6-6 and played in every game as a freshman, is a solid defender who can light it up from the outside and creates match-up problems for opposing defenses. He tore ligaments in left knee against Rhode Island on Nov. 29, however, and is out definitely this season. Matt played his high school ball at Walpole HS, where the family lives, where he averaged 19 ppg as a senior. The basketball connection for the Wolff family does not end with the father-son combo; Nicole Wolff, Dennis' daughter and Matt's sister plays for the University of Connecticut as a junior guard. Dennis Wolff graduated from UConn in 1978, where he was a two-year letterwinner.

For BU head coach Dennis Wolff, the office can feel like home sometimes. His son, Matt, is a sophomore guard on the Terriers this season. Matt Wolff, who is 6-6 and played in every game as a freshman, is a solid defender who can light it up from the outside and creates match-up problems for opposing defenses. He tore ligaments in left knee against Rhode Island on Nov. 29, however, and is out definitely this season. Matt played his high school ball at Walpole HS, where the family lives, where he averaged 19 ppg as a senior. The basketball connection for the Wolff family does not end with the father-son combo; Nicole Wolff, Dennis' daughter and Matt's sister plays for the University of Connecticut as a junior guard. Dennis Wolff graduated from UConn in 1978, where he was a two-year letterwinner.

 COUNTDOWN TO 200: Dennis Wolff is just three wins shy of his 200th win at BU. Wolff is 197-141 in 12 seasons on the Terrier bench and is already the school's all-time leader in victories. Wolff won his first game at BU in his debut, an 80-78 victory over Rider on Nov. 25, 1994. It took Wolff 80 games to reach the 50-win mark, 108 games to go from 50 to 100, and 83 games to go from 100 to 150. BU is 47-20 since Wolff won his 150th game.

Dennis Wolff is just three wins shy of his 200th win at BU. Wolff is 197-141 in 12 seasons on the Terrier bench and is already the school's all-time leader in victories. Wolff won his first game at BU in his debut, an 80-78 victory over Rider on Nov. 25, 1994. It took Wolff 80 games to reach the 50-win mark, 108 games to go from 50 to 100, and 83 games to go from 100 to 150. BU is 47-20 since Wolff won his 150th game.

 DENNIS WOLFF: DEAN OF AMERICA EAST COACHES: With the retirement of Vermont's Tom Brennan at the end of last season, Dennis Wolff is now the elder statesman among America East coaches. Wolff is in his 12th season on the bench, and no other leading man in the conference has coached at his current school for more than five years. Brennan had been at Vermont for 20 years. Coming in to 2005-06, Wolff's 192 wins at BU were more than the coaches at the other eight schools in the America East combined (174). In terms of total years coached among league mentors, Wolff's 13 total years of experience trails New Hampshire's Bill Herrion (18), Binghamton's Al Walker (17) and UMBC's Randy Monroe (14).

With the retirement of Vermont's Tom Brennan at the end of last season, Dennis Wolff is now the elder statesman among America East coaches. Wolff is in his 12th season on the bench, and no other leading man in the conference has coached at his current school for more than five years. Brennan had been at Vermont for 20 years. Coming in to 2005-06, Wolff's 192 wins at BU were more than the coaches at the other eight schools in the America East combined (174). In terms of total years coached among league mentors, Wolff's 13 total years of experience trails New Hampshire's Bill Herrion (18), Binghamton's Al Walker (17) and UMBC's Randy Monroe (14).

 BU ON TV: The Terriers will make a minimum of six television appearances in 2005-06. BU begins the season at Duke on ESPN2 in the preseason NIT. The Terriers will then play three games at Agganis Arena (Michigan, 11/22; Vermont, 1/22; Maine, 1/29) on the New England Sports Network (NESN) as part of a university package with the station. Eric Frede will provide play-by-play for those games, with Ronny Perry handling analysis. The Terriers will also be televised at Holy Cross (NESN), Albany (2/4 - NESN) and at Vermont (2/23 - NESN).

The Terriers will make a minimum of six television appearances in 2005-06. BU begins the season at Duke on ESPN2 in the preseason NIT. The Terriers will then play three games at Agganis Arena (Michigan, 11/22; Vermont, 1/22; Maine, 1/29) on the New England Sports Network (NESN) as part of a university package with the station. Eric Frede will provide play-by-play for those games, with Ronny Perry handling analysis. The Terriers will also be televised at Holy Cross (NESN), Albany (2/4 - NESN) and at Vermont (2/23 - NESN).

 SPECIAL GUESTS HIGHLIGHT RADIO BROADCASTS: BU alum Doug Brown returns to the microphone to broadcast Terrier basketball over the airwaves this season. A collection of former Terrier players and former rival coaches will aid Brown in providing color analysis.

BU alum Doug Brown returns to the microphone to broadcast Terrier basketball over the airwaves this season. A collection of former Terrier players and former rival coaches will aid Brown in providing color analysis.

Former forward Billy Collins (2000-2003) will serve as the color commentator in the majority of the broadcasts. Collins will anchor Brown in all 11 home games, as well as select road contests. Collins was a two-year starter and three-year captain for BU and averaged 10.3 ppg in 74 career games in the Scarlet and White. Former Vermont head coach Tom Brennan, who led the Catamounts to the second-round of the NCAA Tournament in 2005 before retiring in the off-season, will work games at Duke (11/14) and at Binghamton (2/14). Dave Wallace (1992-95), who was captain of Dennis Wolff's first team at BU, will work the games at George Washington (12/2) and at UMBC (1/5). BU Hall-of-Famer Drederick Irving (1984-88), who is second in Terrier history with 1,931 points, will work the Rider game (11/26). Jim Schwartz (1994-97), who was a captain on the Terriers 1997 America East championship team, will work at Stony Brook (1/19), and former Boston College and Ohio State head coach Jim O'Brien will call games at Canisius (1/22) and at the Cable Car Classic in Santa Clara (12/28-29).

 PRESEASON PROGNOSTICATIONS: Despite losing its top three leading scorers from a team that went 20-9 and advanced to the NIT a year ago, the Terriers were chosen to finish second in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll. BU garnered 52 total points, including three first place votes, to finish behind Albany and just ahead of Maine. This marks the third straight season BU has been the coaches' choice to finish second. The Terriers were picked to win the conference in 2002-03. BU won the league crown in 2002-04 and finished third in 2005.

Despite losing its top three leading scorers from a team that went 20-9 and advanced to the NIT a year ago, the Terriers were chosen to finish second in the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll. BU garnered 52 total points, including three first place votes, to finish behind Albany and just ahead of Maine. This marks the third straight season BU has been the coaches' choice to finish second. The Terriers were picked to win the conference in 2002-03. BU won the league crown in 2002-04 and finished third in 2005.

 Preseason Coaches' Poll

Rank) Team - Points (First-Place Votes)1) Albany - 61 (5)

2) Boston U. - 52 (3)

3) Maine - 46 (1)

4) Binghamton - 43

5) Hartford - 41

6) Vermont - 31

7) Stony Brook - 21

8) UMBC - 15

9) New Hampshire - 14

 WYNN PRESEASON ALL-CONFERENCE: Senior guard Shaun Wynn (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was tabbed by league coaches as a preseason all-conference selection. Wynn led the Terriers with 3.4 assists per game in 2004-05 and his 2.27-1 assist-to-turnover ratio was the seventh-best in school history. Wynn was the 2003-04 America East Defensive Player of the Year.

enior guard Shaun Wynn (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was tabbed by league coaches as a preseason all-conference selection. Wynn led the Terriers with 3.4 assists per game in 2004-05 and his 2.27-1 assist-to-turnover ratio was the seventh-best in school history. Wynn was the 2003-04 America East Defensive Player of the Year.

 Preseason All-Conference Team

Lucious Jordan, Albany

Jamar Wilson, Albany

Andre Heard, Binghamton

Shaun Wynn, Boston U.

Kevin Reed, Maine

 FOUR INCREDIBLE YEARS: The BU basketball program has flourished in the last four seasons under head coach Dennis Wolff, accomplishing things never seen before in the program's 103-year history. BU went 20-9 in 2004-05, the Terriers' fourth consecutive 20-win season. BU went 22-10 in 2001-02, 20-11 in 2002-03 and 23-6 in 2003-04. The 85 wins are the most in any four-year period in program history. Prior to 2001-02, BU basketball had achieved 20 or more wins just seven times in 92 seasons of competition. The Terriers also earned an invitation to the 2005 postseason NIT, marking the fourth consecutive season the school participated in postseason play. BU earned an NCAA Tournament bid in 2001-02, and has been to the NIT three straight years. Prior to 2001-02, BU basketball had made seven postseason appearances: NCAA in 1959, 1983, 1988, 1990 and 1997, and NIT in 1980 and 1986.

The BU basketball program has flourished in the last four seasons under head coach Dennis Wolff, accomplishing things never seen before in the program's 103-year history. BU went 20-9 in 2004-05, the Terriers' fourth consecutive 20-win season. BU went 22-10 in 2001-02, 20-11 in 2002-03 and 23-6 in 2003-04. The 85 wins are the most in any four-year period in program history. Prior to 2001-02, BU basketball had achieved 20 or more wins just seven times in 92 seasons of competition. The Terriers also earned an invitation to the 2005 postseason NIT, marking the fourth consecutive season the school participated in postseason play. BU earned an NCAA Tournament bid in 2001-02, and has been to the NIT three straight years. Prior to 2001-02, BU basketball had made seven postseason appearances: NCAA in 1959, 1983, 1988, 1990 and 1997, and NIT in 1980 and 1986.

 BU LEADS NATION IN FG PCT DEFENSE IN 04-05: A major reason for BU's success last season was its ability to gum up opposing offenses. BU led the nation in field goal percentage defense, allowing foes to shoot just 37.1% from the floor. The Terriers also held opponents to just 55.7 ppg, the third-lowest total in the country. BU allowed 59 points or less in 18 of 29 games last year, and the Terriers were 16-2 in those contests. The Terriers completely neutralized Hartford on Jan. 6, holding the Hawks to just 22 points in a 73-22 victory; it was the lowest point total scored by a Terrier opponent in 64 years.

A major reason for BU's success last season was its ability to gum up opposing offenses. BU led the nation in field goal percentage defense, allowing foes to shoot just 37.1% from the floor. The Terriers also held opponents to just 55.7 ppg, the third-lowest total in the country. BU allowed 59 points or less in 18 of 29 games last year, and the Terriers were 16-2 in those contests. The Terriers completely neutralized Hartford on Jan. 6, holding the Hawks to just 22 points in a 73-22 victory; it was the lowest point total scored by a Terrier opponent in 64 years.

 MACON: A RARE JUCO FIND FOR BU: Guard Brian Macon becomes just the second junior college transfer to suit up for the Terriers in Dennis Wolff's 12 seasons. Macon comes to BU from Miami Dade College, where he averaged 10.1 ppg and 7.1 apg for a Sharks' team that went 27-5 and won the Southern Conference. Stijn Dhondt (2001-02) is the only other juco player in the Dennis Wolff era.

Guard Brian Macon becomes just the second junior college transfer to suit up for the Terriers in Dennis Wolff's 12 seasons. Macon comes to BU from Miami Dade College, where he averaged 10.1 ppg and 7.1 apg for a Sharks' team that went 27-5 and won the Southern Conference. Stijn Dhondt (2001-02) is the only other juco player in the Dennis Wolff era.

 TOP THREE SCORERS DEPART: The Terriers lost 59% of their scoring output from last year with the graduation of Rashad Bell and Chaz Carr and the transfer to UMass of Etienne Brower. Bell led the team with 15.6 ppg and finished his career ninth all-time in scoring at BU with 1,367 points. Carr averaged 13.1 ppg and was eighth all-time in scoring with 1,406 points. Brower averaged 8.3 ppg. At least one member of the trio led the Terriers in scoring in 26 of 29 games.

he Terriers lost 59% of their scoring output from last year with the graduation of Rashad Bell and Chaz Carr and the transfer to UMass of Etienne Brower. Bell led the team with 15.6 ppg and finished his career ninth all-time in scoring at BU with 1,367 points. Carr averaged 13.1 ppg and was eighth all-time in scoring with 1,406 points. Brower averaged 8.3 ppg. At least one member of the trio led the Terriers in scoring in 26 of 29 games.

 DUAL HOMES OF BU BASKETBALL: BU will split its home games this season, playing four contests at the sparkling new Agganis Arena, which opened in January 2005, and seven games at its traditional home, Case Gymnasium, otherwise known as "The Roof." The games at Agganis Arena feature some of the heavyweights on BU's schedule, as the Terriers host Michigan (11/22), Rhode Island (11/29), Vermont (1/22) and Maine (1/29). The Maine contest will be the nightcap of a doubleheader with the women's team. Agganis Arena seats 7,200 and was christened in basketball last season when the Terriers upset Vermont 61-55. Agganis Arena is the permanent home of BU men's hockey and the facility will host the early rounds of the 2007 America East Men's Basketball Championships.

BU will split its home games this season, playing four contests at the sparkling new Agganis Arena, which opened in January 2005, and seven games at its traditional home, Case Gymnasium, otherwise known as "The Roof." The games at Agganis Arena feature some of the heavyweights on BU's schedule, as the Terriers host Michigan (11/22), Rhode Island (11/29), Vermont (1/22) and Maine (1/29). The Maine contest will be the nightcap of a doubleheader with the women's team. Agganis Arena seats 7,200 and was christened in basketball last season when the Terriers upset Vermont 61-55. Agganis Arena is the permanent home of BU men's hockey and the facility will host the early rounds of the 2007 America East Men's Basketball Championships.

 

BU has played at The Roof since 1972-73, compiling an extraordinary 180-74 (.709) record there. Dennis Wolff-coached teams have been even better, running up a 94-32 (.746) mark at Case since his arrival in 1994-95. BU has a current nine-game home win streak at The Roof and is 39-8 (.830) there since the beginning of 2001-02.

 A LITTLE GREEN: The 2005-06 edition of BU basketball ranks among the youngest in the America East. The 12 players on the active roster have combined to start 90 games in their college careers - 89 of which have come from two players. Seniors Shaun Wynn and Kevin Gardner have combined for 167 games played and 89 starts, leaving the other 11 Terriers with 106 games played and one start (Matt Wolff, last season) between them. Only Vermont has a more inexperienced team, as the Catamounts lost four starters who helped lead them to three straight NCAA Tournament berths. A look at the league's experience coming in to 2005-06:

The 2005-06 edition of BU basketball ranks among the youngest in the America East. The 12 players on the active roster have combined to start 90 games in their college careers - 89 of which have come from two players. Seniors Shaun Wynn and Kevin Gardner have combined for 167 games played and 89 starts, leaving the other 11 Terriers with 106 games played and one start (Matt Wolff, last season) between them. Only Vermont has a more inexperienced team, as the Catamounts lost four starters who helped lead them to three straight NCAA Tournament berths. A look at the league's experience coming in to 2005-06:

 School Games Started Games Played

Vermont 40 177

BU 90 273

UMBC 119 289

New Hampshire 126 228

Maine 133 292

Binghamton 155 283

Stony Brook 169 299

Albany 247 396

Hartford 271 449

 

In terms of total games played on the current roster, this is not the youngest BU team in Dennis Wolff's 12 years. The 1999-2000 Terriers combined for just 231 career games played heading into the season.

 ELITE COMPANY: BU has won 20+ games in each of the last four seasons. The Terriers are one of just 23 Division-I programs in the nation that can boast such a streak: BU, Vermont, Wake Forest, Duke, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Connecticut, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Illinois, Utah State, Memphis, Kent State, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Utah, Arizona, Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi State and Gonzaga.

BU has won 20+ games in each of the last four seasons. The Terriers are one of just 23 Division-I programs in the nation that can boast such a streak: BU, Vermont, Wake Forest, Duke, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas Tech, Texas, Connecticut, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Illinois, Utah State, Memphis, Kent State, Southern Illinois, Creighton, Utah, Arizona, Kentucky, Florida, Mississippi State and Gonzaga.

 MORRIS OUT FOR THE SEASON: Freshman guard Tyler Morris (Indianapolis, Ind.) will miss the entire season after tearing several ligaments in his foot in preseason practice. Morris, who was expected to contend for playing time in the backcourt, landed on a teammate's foot less than two weeks into practice, and underwent surgery on November 7 to repair the ligaments. Morris will redshirt this season and return for his freshman year of eligibility in 2006-07.

Freshman guard Tyler Morris (Indianapolis, Ind.) will miss the entire season after tearing several ligaments in his foot in preseason practice. Morris, who was expected to contend for playing time in the backcourt, landed on a teammate's foot less than two weeks into practice, and underwent surgery on November 7 to repair the ligaments. Morris will redshirt this season and return for his freshman year of eligibility in 2006-07.

 NOT AFRAID TO PLAY THE BIG BOYS: A staple of the Terriers under Dennis Wolff has been their willingness to play anyone, anytime, anywhere. A look at some of the major programs BU has gone up against in the regular season in Wolff's first 11 years: Providence, Kentucky, Duke, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina State, George Washington, Rhode Island, TCU, Connecticut, Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, Iowa, Boston College, Stanford, Florida State, Arizona, St. Joseph's and Michigan. Some of the most significant wins in school history have come against this list, including back-to-back victories at Michigan (2003 and 2004) and a 15-point win over Florida State in 2002.

A staple of the Terriers under Dennis Wolff has been their willingness to play anyone, anytime, anywhere. A look at some of the major programs BU has gone up against in the regular season in Wolff's first 11 years: Providence, Kentucky, Duke, Oklahoma, New Mexico, North Carolina State, George Washington, Rhode Island, TCU, Connecticut, Alabama, Colorado, Massachusetts, California, Iowa, Boston College, Stanford, Florida State, Arizona, St. Joseph's and Michigan. Some of the most significant wins in school history have come against this list, including back-to-back victories at Michigan (2003 and 2004) and a 15-point win over Florida State in 2002.