BOSTON -- Camryn Collins scored 15 points while Yirsy Quéliz added a season-high 16 points and six steals, but the Northeastern women's basketball team (1-2) could not hold off a late Boston University (1-2) rally, falling 61-57 at Cabot Center on Tuesday afternoon.
The Huskies had three players score in double figures, led by Quéliz, who had 16 points, six steals and four assists. Collins added 15 points and two steals, and Taylor Holohan chipped in with a career-high 11 points and five rebounds.
Northeastern controlled much of the game, building a 36-22 halftime advantage behind strong shooting and transition play. The Huskies shot 60 percent from the field in the second quarter and dominated the fast break, outscoring BU 11-4 in transition points. Northeastern also forced 16 turnovers through the first three quarters, converting them into crucial points.
BU struggled to find its rhythm early, shooting just 18.2 percent in the opening period. Northeastern seized the opportunity and opened up a 15-8 lead after the first quarter behind strong performances from Quéliz and Collins.
The Huskies extended their advantage in the second quarter, going on a 21-18 run to take a commanding 36-22 lead into halftime. Northeastern's defense forced turnovers and capitalized on the offensive end, with Collins leading the charge.
The Terriers began to chip away at the deficit in the third quarter, narrowing it to 50-35 heading into the final period. BU's shooting percentage improved dramatically in the second half, as the Terriers found their range from beyond the arc.
Boston University caught fire in the fourth quarter, going on a 12-0 run to erase the deficit. The Terriers shot 50 percent from the field and 60 percent from three-point range in the decisive period, while Northeastern managed just seven points in the quarter, struggling to find offensive rhythm when it mattered most.
Despite the loss, Northeastern's defense created opportunities throughout the game, recording 10 steals and holding BU to just 22.6 percent shooting in the second half of play before the fourth quarter surge.
BU hit a three-pointer with 20 seconds remaining to take its first lead of the game at 61-57, a score which would hold for the final margin. Northeastern was unable to convert on its final possessions to reclaim the lead.
Northeastern will look to bounce back when it travels to Merrimack on Saturday, November 15 at 3 p.m. That game can be seen on ESPN+.
