Bucknell used a 23-10 run to end the first half and never looked back as the Terriers couldn't slow down the slow-paced, but efficient Bison attack. Five Bison (8-5) players finished in double figures and Bucknell hit 54 percent of their shots as they handed Boston University (4-8) their fourth consecutive loss.
Playing their first game without star point guard D.J. Irving, Boston University couldn't keep up with the defending Patriot League champions as they fell 75-61.
Senior Darryl Partin led the Terriers with 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting, after struggling the past two games. Backcourt mate Travis Robinson added 15 points and three rebounds for a Terriers squad that knocked down 50 percent of their shots in the loss. Senior Matt Griffin finished with seven points, five assists and four rebounds as he replaced Irving in the Boston University starting lineup.
Junior forward Mike Muscala led the Bison with a double-double, 20 points and 11 rebounds. Fellow big man Joe Willman added 19 points, 17 of which came in the first half.
The Terriers got off a to a hot start taking a 9-5 lead behind three 3-pointers, it would be their largest lead of the night. They hit their first four tries from behind the arc, but would end up only hitting 6-of-13 for the game. Boston University kept the game within six points for the first 11 minutes before Bucknell went on their run to end the half.
Over the final 8:54, Bucknell extended their four-point lead to a 17-point advantage behind eight points apiece from Muscala and Willman. The versatile pair of starting forwards scored 27 of the team's 46 points in the first half, helping the Bison grab a 46-29 halftime lead.
Muscala and Willman grabbed eight of the team's 17 rebounds in the first half, as the Bison held a 17-5 advantage on the boards. Bucknell capitalized on their dominance with 10 second-chance points on six offensive boards. The Terriers only had two offensive rebounds for the game, with both coming in the second half.
The Terriers cut the deficit to 14 right out of the break on a Robinson layup and a Patrick Hazel free throw but failed to get any closer. For the half, Boston University actually outscored Bucknell 32-29 but couldn't overcome their poor first stanza.
Boston University will be back in action next Thursday night when they travel to LaSalle for their third road trip of the month to Philadelphia.