Terriers Can't Keep Up With Wildcats

Early Foul Troubles Doom BU

by Jeff Cohen

The Boston University Terriers (0-3) had several opportunities to topple a superior Big XII opponent and make a major statement for the America East.  The Kansas State Wildcats (3-0) had several opportunities to turn a game they were favored to win into a rout.  In a game marred by 60 personal fouls, including 34 committed by BU, the two teams tussled in a competitive battle.  When the final buzzer sounded, the Terriers were on the short end of an 80-70 final on Day One of the eight-team O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Kick-Off in San Juan.

To the surprise of many, BU led for parts of the first half, including a 34-29 lead with only 3:09 remaining.  Unfortunately, the Terriers strong defensive effort, which kept a powerful Wildcats offense in check during the first half, came at a price.  Corey Lowe ('10) entered the locker room at halftime with four personal fouls.  Tyler Morris ('10), Carlos Strong ('10) and Valdas Sirutis ('10) each committed three fouls during the first 20 minutes.  Lowe ('10), who finished with four points and five assists in 20 minutes, fouled out moments upon entering the game in the second half.

While Lowe was phased out due to foul trouble, several BU players shined in the losing effort.  Morris ('10) led all scorers with 21 points.  John Holland ('11), coming off the bench for a second straight game, added 20.  Strong ('10) chipped in with 11 points and eight rebounds while Jake O'Brien ('12) cracked double-digits for the first time this season with 10 points.  As a team, the Terriers shot 24-30 (80%) from the free-throw line, a major improvement over the 64% rate the team shot in Tuesday's loss to George Washington.

The Wildcats, who entered the game with two blowout wins to begin the season, had trouble shaking off the Terriers.  Denis Clemente, a Puerto Rico native and one of the rising stars in the Big XII, was held in check, finishing the game with only seven points on 2-11 shooting.  Kansas State's star of the night was freshmen reserve guard Rodney McGruder, who scored 20 points and grabbed five rebounds.  Jacob Pullen (14 points), Curtis Kelly (12), Jamar Samuels (11) and seven-footer Jordan Henriquez-Roberts, who scored 10 points to go along with eight rebounds, contributed as well.  The bigger and stronger Wildcats out-rebounded the Terriers 39-29.

BU will need to lick their wounds quickly.  The Indiana Hoosiers, who lost to Ole Miss 89-71 earlier in the day, are up next for Head Coach Patrick Chambers and the Terriers.  Day Two's game is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Friday.