Loyola Maryland pulled off a stunning upset at Reitz Arena, dominating Boston University 74-57 in a non-conference matchup. The Greyhounds, ranked 341st in the nation, handed the Terriers a crushing defeat, outscoring them 40-21 in the second half. This victory is a significant upset, considering Boston University's higher net ranking of 290.
Emmett Adair led the charge for Loyola Maryland, scoring 17 points to pace the Greyhounds' offense. He was supported by Braeden Speed, who added 14 points, and Jonas Sirtautas, who chipped in with 12 points. The trio's contributions were instrumental in Loyola Maryland's second-half surge, which saw them outscore Boston University by 19 points.
Despite the lopsided final score, the game was closely contested in the first half, with Boston University taking a 36-34 lead into the break. However, the Greyhounds came out strong in the second half, using a combination of stifling defense and efficient offense to build a commanding lead. Ben Defty, Boston University's top performer, did his best to keep the Terriers in the game, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Chance Gladden and Sam Hughes added 13 and 12 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to overcome Loyola Maryland's second-half onslaught.
The magnitude of this upset cannot be overstated, as Loyola Maryland was expected to struggle against a Boston University team that, while not highly ranked, was still considered a formidable opponent. The Greyhounds' victory is a reflection of their resilience and determination, and it will undoubtedly be a significant boost to their confidence.
In terms of tournament implications, this result will likely have a minimal impact on the NCAA Tournament picture, as both teams are currently outside the bubble. However, for Loyola Maryland, this win is a much-needed addition to their resume, even if it is a Quadrant 4 victory. The Greyhounds' 7-14 record still leaves them with a lot of work to do, but this upset win will certainly be a highlight on their schedule.
For Boston University, this loss is a setback, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in their next game. The Terriers' 8-13 record and Quadrant 4 loss will not help their tournament chances, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for the postseason. As for Loyola Maryland, this upset win will be a welcome addition to their resume, and it will give them a much-needed boost as they continue through their schedule.