BOSTON – The Boston University women's basketball team overcame an early 12-point deficit and used a strong second half to edge Loyola, 44-42, Wednesday at Case Gym.
Katie Nelson registered her fourth 20-point effort of the season, while
Sydney Johnson also reached double-digit scoring figures with 16 points.
Riley Childs set a new career high with 14 rebounds, snagging 12 on the defensive end.
With the game tied up at 23-all at the half, BU held the Greyhounds to shoot just 3-of-17 from the floor in the third quarter to push ahead, 33-30. From there, the Terriers went up by 10 with just under four minutes left. Loyola stormed back with an 8-0 run over the final two minutes, but missed the potential game-tying jump shot at the buzzer as BU held on for the win.
How It Happened
- Loyola opened the game on a 7-0 run until Nelson powered through the lane to get BU on the board.
- Johnson and Maren Durant combined for a 4-2 run to get the Terriers within single digits, but the Greyhounds staked a 18-6 advantage as the first quarter came to a close.
- Nelson started the second frame off with seven straight points, which included a momentum-shifting four-point play to make it an 18-13 game.
- Johnson caught Loyola off-guard on an inbounds play for an easy layup before Nelson connected from deep for the third time in a three-minute span to put BU within one possession, 20-18.
- Johnson tied the game up twice, with the latter make putting the score at 23-all at the break.
- Nelson started the second stanza off with a drive from the top of the key to give BU its first lead of the night.
- Loyola struck with a quick 4-0 streak, but BU doubled that effort with an 8-0 run to pull ahead, 33-28, later in the third.
- Maggie Pina and Johnson kept the Terriers rolling with back-to-back makes from 3-point range to push out a 39-30 command, with 8:39 to play.
- Johnson and Nelson accounted for the next five points, giving the Terriers a 10-point cushion, 44-34, with 3:56 remaining.
- Loyola erupted for an 8-0 run, making it a two-point game with 42.4 ticks left, but the Terrier defense contested the potential game-tying jumper with two seconds left, and Childs grabbed the rebound to end the game.
Game Notes
- Audrey Nicholson made her first career start and debut as a Terrier.
- BU's guards combined for 39 points on the night.
- The Terriers have won five of the last seven matchups against the Greyhounds.
Up Next
- BU will remain at Case Gym as it hosts Colgate on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 2 p.m.
