Boston University women’s basketball beat the United States Military Academy 67-42 on Saturday in their final road game of the regular season.
The Terriers (15-12, 11-6 Patriot League) led wire-to-wire and spoiled senior day for the Black Knights (11-17, 6-10 Patriot League), and BU has now clinched a first-round bye and a home quarterfinal game in the Patriot League tournament.
BU head coach Marisa Moseley said Saturday’s performance was a true team effort.
“I thought this was our most complete game to date,” Moseley said. “I thought we did an excellent job sharing the ball. I’ve been harping on making the extra pass and making sure we get a great shot every time down the court. I think we’ve clicked on all cylinders.”
Senior guard Payton Hauck continued her string of dominate offensive performances as she led all BU scorers with 19 points. Senior guard Lauren Spearman had an impressive second half, scoring 12 of her 15 points in the last two quarters.
Moseley said that despite Hauck’s occasional struggles with consistency, she has been motivated by the team’s chance to make postseason history.
“One of the things that we’ve talked about throughout the year that she feels that she has struggled with throughout her career has been consistency,” Moseley said. “I think she has embraced that she and our team has a chance to do something the program hasn’t done in a lot of years.”
The first quarter was dominated by the Terriers, as they put up 18 points in the frame to Army’s six. The Black Knights shot 2-for-12 in the first quarter while the Terriers made half of their shots, 8-for-16.
In the second quarter BU kept the pedal to the metal, putting up 16 in the frame. Army’s offense had finally shifted into gear, as they put up 14 points.
As the seconds ticked away in the first half, Black Knight guard Jess Lewis cashed a buzzer-beater. Despite the late three, the Terriers still led Army by 14 points, 34-20.
Hauck led the scoring for BU at the half with 10 points.
The second half started much like the the first, as Spearman drilled a 3-pointer and then drove for a mid-range jumper to open the half with five quick points.
The third quarter turned into an offensive showcase as sophomore guard Katie Nelson and junior forward Nia Irving and began chipping in points of their own. Both finished the game with double digit points.
At the third quarter media timeout, the Terriers led by 21 points.
Going into the final frame, BU remained firmly in control of the game, 54-35, as the Terriers were still shooting around 50 percent from the floor.
With two minutes left the game was all but over. BU led 63-37 and the starters were pulled from the game. The Terriers let the clock run down and went on to win the game 67-42, securing the program’s first-ever home Patriot League tournament matchup.
The Terriers will return home to Case Gym Wednesday to play Loyola University Maryland in the final matchup of the regular season.
Moseley said that Saturday’s performance could be a sign of things to come for her team.
“We’ve been able to beat or beaten every team that’s in the league, and I think that we’re a dangerous team going into the conference tournament,” she said. “If we continue to play like we did tonight, then I think we’re going to make some noise.”
Coach, you’ve already made noise by winning games that this group didn’t win in years past. Keep up the great effort and enjoy the run!!