Boston University traveled to the Hart Center and came away with a 72-64 victory over Holy Cross, led by a strong performance from Michael McNair, who scored 18 points. The win marked a successful road trip for the Terriers, who were predicted to win by just 1.7 points by CHD Scout, but ultimately won by 8. This margin of victory was a reflection of Boston University's ability to pull away in the second half, outscoring Holy Cross 40-35 after taking a 32-29 lead into halftime.
DeAndre Williams was the bright spot for Holy Cross, scoring 20 points in a losing effort. Despite his strong performance, the Crusaders were unable to keep pace with Boston University's balanced attack, which saw three players score in double figures. Ben Defty added 17 points and 9 rebounds for the Terriers, while Azmar Abdullah chipped in with 14 points and 8 rebounds. This balanced scoring was a key factor in Boston University's win, as they were able to exploit Holy Cross's defense from multiple angles.
The game was closely contested in the first half, with Boston University taking a narrow 32-29 lead into the break. However, the Terriers were able to pull away in the second half, using a combination of strong defense and efficient offense to build a lead that Holy Cross was unable to overcome. The Crusaders made several runs, but Boston University was always able to respond, thanks in large part to the play of McNair and Defty.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's prediction of a Boston University win by 1.7 points was correct, although the actual margin of victory was larger than expected. This win will be a boost to Boston University's resume, although it comes with the caveat that it was a Quadrant 4 game. As a Q4 game, the win will not significantly impact Boston University's tournament chances, but it does help to build momentum and confidence for the Terriers as they head into the final stretch of the season.
For Holy Cross, the loss is a setback, but not a surprising one given the team's struggles this season. The Crusaders are now 8-16 on the year, and this Q4 loss will not help their already slim tournament hopes. DeAndre Williams's strong performance was a positive note, but it was not enough to overcome the balanced attack of Boston University.
In terms of tournament implications, this win does not significantly impact Boston University's chances, but it does help to pad their resume. The Terriers are still a long shot to make the tournament, but they are building momentum and confidence, which could serve them well in the final stretch of the season. For Holy Cross, the loss is a reminder that they still have a long way to go to become a competitive team in their conference. With this loss, the Crusaders must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for a tournament bid.
Overall, Boston University's win over Holy Cross was a reflection of the Terriers' balanced attack and strong team play. While it may not have real consequences for the tournament, it is a positive step forward for a team that is looking to build momentum and confidence heading into the final stretch of the season. The win will be a boost to Boston University's resume, and will help to build their case for a potential tournament bid.