BOSTON, Mass. – Junior forward Gerrale Gates totaled 16 points, six rebounds and two assists, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Boston University 86-68 at Case Gymnasium. The Crusaders fall to 3-9 overall and 3-9 in the Patriot League with the loss, while the Terriers improve to 4-6 on the season and 4-6 in the conference. 

Boston University made 62.7 percent of its field goal attempts and 52.6 percent of its three-pointers on the day, while holding a 31-22 rebounding advantage. Holy Cross was only able to connect on 45.5 percent of its shots from the floor and 35.3 percent of its attempts from beyond the arc.

The Terriers led 7-6 early on, before using an 11-2 spurt to claim an early 10-point lead (18-8). The Crusaders closed to within seven (22-15) with 11:36 left in the half, before Boston University scored the next seven points to go up by 14 (29-15). The Terriers eventually took a 45-30 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

Boston University started the second half hot, using a 17-5 run to go in front by 27 (62-35). Holy Cross refused to go quietly, and would cut the margin down to 14 points (79-65) with 2:16 left to play. But that was as close as the Crusaders would get, as the Terriers went on to post an 18-point victory.

Senior guard Austin Butler totaled 12 points and two rebounds, while freshman guard R.J. Johnson added 12 points and two assists. Javante McCoy led Boston University with 21 points and six assists.

The Crusaders will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 17, when they return home to face the Terriers once again at 5:00 p.m.