2011 America East Tournament: Boston University Defeats Stony Brook, 56-54, In Title Game

John Holland gave the Terriers their first lead of the game on a pair of free throws with 2.4 seconds remaining as Boston University defeated Stony Brook, 56-54, in the 2011 America East Tournament title game on Saturday afternoon at Agganis Arena.

Boston University (21-13) clinched a berth in the NCAA Tournament with the win, which marked their first America East title since 2002. This is the seventh time in school history that the Terriers will go to the NCAA Tournament.

Holland, the America East Player of the Year, finished with 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Boston University, which made 15-of-48 field goals (31.3%) and 2-of-19 three pointers (10.5%). Darryl Partin scored 12 points and D.J. Irving added eight points for the Terriers.

Boston University fell behind early, trailing 15-3 with 8:14 left in the opening half. The Terriers closed out the first half on a 20-15 to cut their deficit to 30-23 entering halftime. Holland scored 16 straight points and led the Terriers on a 14-0 run midway through the second half to cut Stony Brook's lead to 41-40, and were able to keep the game close all throughout the final ten minutes.

Holland sank two free throws to tie the game at 54 with 1:03 to go. With 31 seconds remaining, the Seawolves made a costly mistake, as Dougher turned the ball over. Holland was fouled with two seconds left, sending him to the free throw line, where he sent the Terriers to the big dance.

Leonard Hayes scored 14 points to lead Stony Brook (15-17), which was held to 31.5% shooting. Chris Martin and Bryan Dougher each had 12 points and Dave Coley added seven points off the bench for the Seawolves.

2011 America East Tournament Results

Thursday, Mar. 3, First Round
Binghamton defeats UMBC, 91-65

Saturday, Mar. 5, Quarterfinals
Stony Brook defeats Albany, 67-61
Vermont defeats Binghamton, 57-46
Boston University defeats New Hampshire, 69-60 
Hartford defeats Maine, 66-63

Sunday, Mar. 6, Semifinals
Stony Brook defeats Vermont, 69-47
Boston University defeats Hartford,  55-49

Saturday, Mar. 12, America East Championship Final
Boston University defeats Stony Brook, 56-54

America East Tournament 2011: Boston University Advances To Meet Stony Brook In Championship Game

With Sunday night's win over Hartford, Boston University clinched a spot in the 2011 America East Tournament Championship Game, where they will meet Stony Brook on Saturday, Mar. 12, at 12:02 p.m. EST (ESPN2). 

The Terriers, the tournament's No. 2 seed, were led by America East Player of the Year John Holland on Sunday (a game-high 16 points), who helped BU defeat No. 6 seed Hartford, 55-49, in the America East Tournament semifinals.

The Terriers (20-13, 12-4 America East), who have now won ten games in a row, will be making their 15th appearance in the America East title game.

The Stony Brook Seawolves (15-16, 8-8) knocked off top-seeded Vermont, 69-47, in Sunday's first semifinal to advance to the championship. Vermont (23-8, 13-3) will receive an automatic NIT berth for winning the America East regular-season title.

2011 America East Tournament Schedule

Thursday, Mar. 3, First Round
UMBC 65 Binghamton 91

Saturday, Mar. 5, Quarterfinals
Albany 61 Stony Brook 67
Vermont 57 Binghamton 46
Boston University 69 New Hampshire 60
Hartford 66 Maine 63

Sunday, Mar. 6, Semifinals
Vermont 47 Stony Brook 69
Hartford 49 Boston University 55

Saturday, Mar. 12, America East Championship Final
Boston University vs. Stony Brook 12:02 p.m. (ESPN2)