Terriers Drop Home Opener

Too much George Washington Down The Stretch Drops BU to 0-2

by Angus Dunk

The effort was certainly there, but the Boston University’s men basketball was unable to muster enough offense during a 69-59 loss to the George Washington Colonials Tuesday night at Agganis Arena.

Junior John Holland (’11) senior Corey Lowe (’10) each scored over 20 points (24 and 21 respectively) as BU fought a tough battle against George Washington and coach Karl Hobbs, a former assistant basketball coach with the Terriers (1987-1993). The Colonials win marks the 17th time in 18 games, that George Washington University has defeated Boston University in a series history dating back to the 1958-1959 season.

“We knew it was going to be a tough mental basketball game,” Hobbs said. “My concern was them making three [pointers] and us holding them to one shot. They showed great poise, were relaxed, and [completed] their free throws.”

The Colonials remained sound offensively throughout the game despite their younger and inexperienced lineup. Freshman guard Lasan Kromah played in top form, tallying 17 points and shooting 4-7 from beyond the three point line. Multipoint performances also came from forward Damian Hollis (11), guard Tony Taylor (10), and backup guard Aaron Ware (10).

Solid shooting from the free throw line also lifted George Washington over Boston University, especially in the second half. The Colonials converted 77% of their free throws for the game, taking advantage of a Terriers full-court press that produced no big plays. BU committed 25 fouls in the game compared to George Washington’s 22.

However, BU’s fouls was indicative of their commitment to playing a defensive style of game and to trying to earn their first win of the season. The team combined for six blocks, five of which came from forward Jake O’Brien. BU also nabbed 11 steals. Additionally, the Terriers caused 20 GW turnovers. The Terriers also held their own in the rebound department, with 39 on the night.

At the end of the first half, Boston University trailed George Washington by only six points, 26-20, thanks in large part to their well-coordinated defense and Holland’s scoring prowess. Holland, a Bronx, New York City native, recorded a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds.

Despite struggling earlier, Lowe (’10) came out flying in the second half, helping the Terriers amass 39 points in the final 20 minutes. Lowe shot 50% from the field (7-14) and notched 21 points for the game.

Even though his team played valiantly, Lowe did admit the Colonials defense did a consistent job of restricting the Terriers to shots from outside the three point arc. “I think we have a tendency to settle for three pointers. We underestimate ourselves to take it to the basket,” Lowe explained.

Boston University kept the game competitive down to the final minute and a half of play when Lowe cut George Washington’s lead to 58-53 with a three pointer from behind the right elbow. Before back-to-back threes by Holland and Lowe, the Terriers were fighting to keep the deficit in single digits.

One of the more interesting surprises of the night was Coach Patrick Chambers’ decision to start forward Valdas Sirutis ('10) in place of John Holland. “He deserved to be on the floor,” Chambers said. “It’s a moment, he’ll never forget.” Chambers went on to comment that Sirutis, a senior from Lithuania, had not played much over his past three years, but remained one of the more confident, hardworking individuals on the team.

Overall, Chambers believed Tuesday’s game was a step forward for the BU basketball team. “I thought we competed and played hard. We kept grinding and we kept going,” commented Chambers.

He was also impressed with the team’s defensive capabilities, but moreover with their free throw shooting. “One of the concerns we had going into the season as free throws, [but] we made 25 tonight,” said Chambers. “We thought it was going to be our Achilles heel tonight, [but turned out to not be the case.]”

Boston University will take on Kansas State Thursday night at 7:30 pm when they take part in the “O’Reilly Auto Parts Tip-Off” in San Juan, Puerto Rico.