Notebook: BU upset in semifinals, gets second chance in WNIT

Despite dominating conference play in the regular season, the Boston University women’s basketball team will not be playing in the conference title game this season after an upset by the University of Maryland-Baltimore Country in the semifinals.

The upset marked a huge disappointment for the first-place Terriers (23-8, 15-1 America East), who nearly went undefeated in conference play, losing only to the University at Albany in the team’s 16 regular-season conference games.

Despite strong play from junior guard Chantell Alford, who was once again showing signs of dominance after a wrist injury affected her for the last few games of the regular season, BU could not secure a victory over the fifth-place Retrievers (17-14, 9-17 America East).

The loss was a devastating one for the Terriers who, according to BU coach Kelly Greenberg, did not play up to their normal levels and suffered the consequences.

“It was obviously a real disappointing loss for us,” Greenberg said. “They came out more excited to play than us, and as a coach, that’s just killer. And I really think that that’s something that we can control.”

Alford, others earn America East honors

For the second season in a row, Alford was named the America East Player of the Year, making her the sixth repeat winner of the award. Alford’s play was dominant all season long, with her best performance being a 28-point effort against the University of Vermont on Feb. 1.

Alford was a three-time recipient of the America East Player of the Week award, and averaged 12.1 points per game for the regular season conference winners. During her three years as a Terrier, Alford has scored more than 1,200 points and recorded more 400 rebounds and 200 assists.

Alford and junior guard Mo Moran were named to the America East All-Conference First Team. This marked Alford’s second appearance on the squad and Moran’s first.

Sophomore forward Rashidat Agboola was named to the All-Conference Third Team for the first time in her career. Her strong rebounding throughout the season earned her a nod on the All-Defensive Team for the first time as well.

“I’m so happy for the players who did receive awards, they certainly earned it,” Greenberg said. “[But] I think our loss [Sunday] really kind of showed that it’s not about awards.”

Double-double domination

All season long, the Terriers’ forwards, senior Caroline Stewart and Agboola, have put up impressive numbers in the categories of rebounding and points, accumulating a high total of double-doubles throughout the season. Agboola leads the team with eight double-doubles on the season, and Stewart added her fourth in Sunday’s game against UMBC with 12 points and 10 boards.

BU fell back on its paint players when their guards were failing to put the ball in the net. Stewart and Agboola were both offensive and defensive threats all season, simultaneously stopping opponents from scoring while notching points of their own.

The two forwards accounted for more than 500 rebounds and 500 points this season, providing a spark for the Terriers over and over again.

WNIT Tournament

Despite losing to UMBC and failing to make it to the America East title game, the Terriers have another shot at victory as they enter the Women’s National Invitation Tournament. By virtue of their regular season first place finish in the America East Conference, the Terriers are guaranteed a spot in the tournament and a second chance for victory in tournament play.

While they fell short in the conference tournament, the national tournament offers another opportunity for the Terriers, who are hoping to finish their season on a more positive note after the loss to UMBC.

The 64-team bracket will be announced on Monday. The first round of games will begin two days later and will continue through Friday.

“We will bounce back,” Greenberg said. “We have a lot of character on our team and we have great leadership.”