By Aidan Wohl
Boston University News Service
Just days after its first loss of the season, a switch flipped for a short-handed Boston University men’s basketball team in its home opener.
Graphic courtesy Boston University Men’s Basketball
The Terriers, led by junior guard Michael McNair’s 18 points and six assists, were able to dominate offensively, taking down the Brown Bears 90-77 Wednesday night at Case Gymnasium.
The Terriers (2-1) crushed the Bears (0-3) behind the arc, hitting 13 3-pointers, the most triples the team has recorded in a game since Dec. 9, 2024. It was also their highest scoring game since Feb. 15, 2025.
“Tonight was kind of an example of our togetherness as a program,” BU head coach Joe Jones said following the game. “The way these guys played in the second half was so special, knowing what we’re going through but not focusing on it, being able to rise to the moment and perform, not use it as a crutch or an excuse.”
BU came into the game firing on all cylinders, shooting 9-13 from the field to grab a commanding 25-8 lead within the first eight and a half minutes into the contest. This run was catalyzed by two 3-pointers by leading scorer freshman guard Sam Hughes and senior guard Ben Roy. The Terriers continued their behind-the-arc barrage, nailing six more 3-pointers on 57 percent shooting to take a comfortable 48-31 lead by the end of the first half.
Despite Brown shooting 60% from 3-point range in the second half, BU was able to maintain its double-digit lead for the remainder of the game, thanks to McNair and sophomore center Ben Defty combining for 20 points to put the game out of reach.
Freshman guard Chance Gladden, who made his first collegiate start, was able to step up with other players injured, impressing with 14 points.
“Chance is a big player for us, especially with guys out,” McNair said. “He’s a really talented freshman, and him being able to attack, being able to handle the ball, handle the pressure when the time is right, I think that is really big for us.”
With BU graduate forward Malcolm Chimezie going down injured against the Bears, the Terriers may be down another player in its next game against Merrimack (0-3) on Saturday as they look to build off of Wednesday’s win.
“I’m gonna have to figure out how to attack that game,” Jones said. “We’re gonna have to make some adjustments, but we’re gonna have to watch fouling, we’re gonna have to understand the tempo that we’re gonna have to play at in order to win.”
BU will host Merrimack on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Case Gymnasium.
