BOSTON – The Boston University men's basketball team will open Wednesday's home doubleheader against American at Case Gym with tip-off set for 5 p.m. The women will follow at 7:30 p.m.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as they will be treated to free pie as part of National Pie Day. The contest is also part of the annual
Suits and Sneakers Week, which is a nationwide event when coaches and their staff across the nation wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness and help save lives by raising funds and encouraging people to educate themselves about cancer prevention, screening and early detection.
TERRIER TIDBITS
- Wednesday's contest marks the first time since BU joined the Patriot League in the summer of 2013 that the Terriers will have to play a team twice before facing every other member at least once ... Available for viewing on the Patriot League Network, the matchup was originally scheduled to air Monday night on the CBS Sports Network but was postponed due to weather and its impact on travel along the East Coast.
- Highlighted by last week's 31-point performance at Loyola Maryland, junior Max Mahoney is averaging a team-high 17.0 ppg and 6.0 rpg while ranking seventh nationally at 66.3 FG% ... All three of his double-doubles this season have occurred at home against Bucknell, Bethune-Cookman and UMass Lowell.
- Junior Tyler Scanlon was the lone Terrier to reach double figures with 14 points on Saturday against Colgate, as BU was held to its second-lowest offensive output of the season ... He ranks second on the team at 12.4 ppg and 5.2 rpg while leading BU in assists (3.3 apg) and steals (1.2 spg).
- The Terriers have had three individuals earn three PL Rookie of the Week awards, most since 2006-07 ... Recipient Jonas Harper (4.9 ppg) is averaging 12.5 ppg over the last four games while shooting 13-of-16 (.813) 3FG to move into third on the team in made 3-pointers at 18 total.
- BU ranks 55th nationally at 47.5 FG% while averaging 72.1 ppg ... The Terriers are holding opponents to 71.3 ppg and 44.7 FG%.
- Both the Terriers and Eagles are currently in a four-way tie for seventh at 2-4 with three teams tied for fourth at 3-3.
SCOUTING AMERICAN
- American is 3-6 on the road and has dropped the last five contests with losses at Lehigh, Bucknell, Colgate, George Washington and Howard by a combined 18 points … The Eagles own key road wins at George Mason (78-75 OT) and defending America East champion UMBC (73-69).
- Overall, American is 2-4 in conference play following 84-79 overtime loss to Lafayette and 71-63 win over Navy.
- Preseason All-PL honoree Sa'eed Nelson owns a team-high 19.4 ppg while averaging 5.6 rpg, 4.9 apg and 2.2 spg ... 2018 All-PL Rookie member Sam Iorio is averaging 15.2 ppg and a team-high 6.9 rpg.
- The Eagles rank 54th nationally in fewest fouls and 68th in fewest turnovers, while also ranking 15th in 3FG% defense (.287).
- AU is averaging 71.7 ppg and 46.2 FG% while holding opponents to 68.4 ppg and 42.2 FG%.
SERIES HISTORY
- The Terriers lead the all-time series, 9-6, with a 7-6 record since joining the Patriot League in the summer of 2013.
- American has won the last three meetings after BU won the previous seven regular-season games.
- In the last meeting back on Jan. 2, BU cut a 16-point deficit to five with 5:25 left before AU pulled away for the 86-74 win ... The Eagles shot 61.1 FG% against BU's 54.7 FG% with Iorio and Nelson combining for 53 points.
