WORCESTER, Mass. – Senior guard Austin Butler posted the 11th double-double of his collegiate career with 19 points, 11 rebounds and four steals, but the Holy Cross men's basketball team was defeated by Boston University 78-69 at the Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex. The Crusaders fall to 3-10 overall and 3-10 in the Patriot League with the loss, while the Terriers improve to 5-6 on the season and 5-6 in the conference. 

Holy Cross made just 37.5 percent of its field goal attempts on the evening, but was able to hit 45.5 percent of its three-pointers and 73.3 percent of its free throws. Boston University connected on 55.3 percent of its shots from the floor and 50.0 percent of its attempts from three-point range.

The Terriers opened the game by jumping out to an early 8-2 lead, and would go in front by seven points (18-11) with 10:50 left in the first half. Boston University later led 28-22, before Holy Cross closed out the half on a 16-7 run to take a 38-35 advantage into the locker room.

The Terriers scored the first five points on the second half to pull back in front, and the game would stay close for the majority of the second half. The score was tied at 55-55 with 10 minutes left to play, when Boston University scored five straight points to take the lead for good. The Terriers were later up by just four (73-69) with two minutes remaining, but the Crusaders would not score again as Boston University pulled out the victory.

Freshman guard R.J. Johnson finished the game with 12 points, six assists and three steals. Freshman forward Judson Martindale added 12 points and two rebounds, while junior forward Gerrale Gates recorded 10 points, six rebounds and two assists. Walter Whyte led the Terriers with 17 points.

The Crusaders will return to action on Saturday, Feb. 20, when they travel to Army West Point for a 3:00 p.m. game.