Terriers Advance to PL Semifinals in Rigid 46-44 Victory Over American

Monday, March 9

Boston, MA

6 PM

Boston University

18-12, 12-6PL

American (PL Quarterfinals)

13-17, 8-10PL

American

Boston University

Photo by: Kevin Murray

Terriers Advance to PL Semifinals in Rigid 46-44 Victory Over American

March 9, 2020 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score Highlights Photos

BOSTON – For the first time ever, the Boston University women's basketball team advanced to the Patriot League Tournament semifinals, defeating American 46-44 in a quarterfinal matchup Monday night at Case Gym.

Maren Durant was stellar in her postseason debut, grabbing a career-high 15 rebounds to go with 12 points for her third double-double of the season. Riley Childs was also a force on the glass, grabbing 10 boards to help guide a 40-22 differential in rebounds over the Eagles.

Katie Nelson reached double-digit scoring figures with 11 points, while Maggie Pina chipped in with an even 10.

TFW you advance to the @PatriotLeague semifinals for the first time ever 🤩 pic.twitter.com/bv8UI76ANR
— BU Women's Basketball (@TerrierWBB) March 10, 2020

How It Happened

Durant and Nia Irving established a presence in the post to BU pull ahead, 5-2.
Nelson put in five straight free throws as the Terriers held to a 10-7 edge at the end of the first quarter.
Childs found Durant for an easy finish under the rim before taking it to the hole herself, pushing the gap to 14-9 to start the second.
American took advantage of turnovers as part of a 9-0 run until Durant got the offense back on track with four straight points to knot the score, 18-18.
Pina converted on a four-point play to spark the crowd and cap an 8-0 streak, though American battled back to make it an even 22-22 at the break.
With neither offense able to find its groove in the third quarter, BU and American went back-and-forth as the Terriers clung to a 27-26 grip.
Nelson kicked off the fourth frame with a hesitation drive to the basket before Childs connected from 3-point range, giving BU a two-possession lead, 32-26.
Durant asserted herself in the paint, backing American down for back-to-back layups to maintain a six-point advantage, 36-30, with 3:48 left.
Pina all but delivered the dagger with a mid-range jumper with 1:37 remaining, putting the score at 40-34.
BU closed the game with a 6-for-6 clip from the charity stripe.

Game Notes

BU won its first Patriot League Tournament game since 2014, snapping a six-game postseason skid.
Additionally, BU earned its first postseason win against the Eagles.
The Terriers registered their best performance from the free throw line this season, connecting on 88.9 percent (16-of-18).
Monday was almost an identical defensive effort as the first matchup this season as BU limited American to 44 points for the second time.
Over the course of three games this season, the Terriers held the Eagles to shoot just 31.4 percent (48-for-153) from the floor.

Up Next

BU will host sixth-seeded Lehigh on Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m.

We'll host a @PatriotLeague Tournament semifinal game for the first time ever on Thursday!

Get your 🍿 ready.

🎟: https://t.co/8Ij53rHjRq pic.twitter.com/khpiL0R1Zy
— BU Women's Basketball (@TerrierWBB) March 10, 2020