Basketball, Sports

Women’s basketball seniors shine during final home game

It was an emotional day for the Boston University women’s basketball team, as the Terriers honored their four graduating seniors in forward Rashidat Agboola, forward Whitney Turner, guard Danielle Callahan and guard Melissa Gallo, during the final regular season home game of the year against the College of the Holy Cross Saturday afternoon at Case Gymnasium.

To top off a sentimental afternoon, complete with larger-than-life sized cutouts of each senior’s face courtesy of the BU Band, the Terriers (12-19, 7-11 Patriot League) came away with the win, defeating the Crusaders (18-11, 10-8 Patriot League) by a score of 67-65.

The Terriers fought hard all game, matching Holy Cross’ offense every step of the way. BU ended up shooting 49 percent from the field to the Crusaders’ 34.7 percent.

“This was the best game it could have been for our senior night,” Turner said. “It was an emotional victory, it was a grind it out close game, and we really had to show our character in this game, and we really proved a lot to ourselves and to our team today.”

After the game, the four seniors discussed just how close they were as a unit. They exchanged smiles, tears and laughs and had nothing but good things to say about one another.

“Just being able to be on the court, all four of us at the same time, that’s what we love and we’re very comfortable with each other and being able to trust each other,” Gallo said. “It just means a lot being out on the court with these three ladies.”

Turner had a similar sentiment to Gallo regarding the level of trust among the four women.

“Over four years you build a chemistry and a connection with your classmates and your teammates,” Turner said. “It helps us going forward because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and we know how to put each other in the best position to succeed, and we always trust each other.”

The quartet’s chemistry was apparent during Saturday’s tilt, as each member played upwards of 30 minutes on the night and all posted double figures in points. Agboola had a team-high 19 points and Callahan, Gallo and Turner all recorded 12 apiece.

“Time flies and … I’m so happy I got to meet my class and my team and be a part of this … It’s really been amazing,” Agboola said. “Our coaches and our team have made an amazing senior night for us, last night and today so we couldn’t be more happy to get a win.”

For BU coach Kelly Greenberg, not only getting the win was a big deal, but seeing former players in the stands during the game meant a lot as well.

“It shows a lot for these four people that people came back to make sure they were at their final home game,” Greenberg said. Everything was just perfect and then obviously the ending of the game, coming up with the ball and the clock buzzing was the best. It was the best.”

While recounting and reminiscing on their time spent here at BU, the seniors had a few stories to tell, but one in particular stood out among the rest.

“I remember one time Rashidat ran down the court without a shoe,” Gallo said as all four of the Terrier seniors and Greenberg erupted with laughter. “That’s my favorite moment. I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.”

“That was tough,” Agboola said with a smile.

Recalling Saturday’s contest, Greenberg jokingly brought up a crucial miss from Turner at the charity stripe.

“I kind of liked Whitney’s missed free throw [from today],” Greenberg added, smiling at the forward.

“Yeah,” Turner said with a laugh. “I was trying to forget that one.”

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