Boston University Tops American University in Close Contest
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Bender Arena
Boston University Terriers 68, American University Eagles 65, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Boston University Terriers vs American University Eagles?
Boston University Terriers beat American University Eagles 68-65 at Bender Arena on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Boston University Terriers vs American University Eagles?
American University Eagles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested game, the Boston University Terriers edged out the American University Eagles with a final score of 68-65. This matchup was significant as both teams entered with similar records, with American University holding a 16-15 record and Boston University at 15-16. The game took place at Bender Arena, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
The Eagles had been struggling recently, finishing their last ten games with a record of 4-6. They averaged 72.1 points scored per game while allowing 70.2 points, indicating a slight defensive vulnerability. Their last five games showed some improvement, with a record of 3-2 and an average of 76.0 points scored, but they were coming off a loss to the Lehigh Mountain Hawks just two days prior, where they fell 73-78. At home, American University had a record of 1-3 in their last four games, which contributed to their overall struggles.
In contrast, the Terriers had been performing better, winning six of their last ten games with an average of 77.3 points scored and allowing 70.2 points. Their recent form included a win against the Holy Cross Crusaders, where they triumphed 78-63, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Boston University displayed a strong away record of 4-1 in their last five games, which provided them with confidence heading into this matchup.
The two teams had met three times in the previous two seasons, with Boston University winning two of those encounters. Their most recent meeting earlier in the season resulted in a close 64-62 victory for Boston University, while American University had previously won 48-44 at home last season. This history added an extra layer of competitiveness to the game.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but the condition of key players can often influence the dynamics of such close games. The betting market reflected the competitive nature of the matchup, with DraftKings listing American University as 3.5-point favorites and setting the total at 140.5 points. The odds indicated a tight contest, as both teams were evenly matched.
The game conditions were typical for late February, with players needing to adapt to the arena's atmosphere and the pressure of a crucial game. Fans were treated to a thrilling second half, where the lead changed hands multiple times. Key moments included Chance Gladden's driving layup that put Boston University ahead late in the game, followed by a series of scoring plays that kept the tension high. Kade Sebastian made significant contributions for American University, including a three-point jumper that briefly gave them the lead. However, Boston University maintained their composure down the stretch, securing the victory with free throws from Ben Defty and Azmar Abdullah.
As the final buzzer sounded, Boston University celebrated a hard-fought win, improving their record to 16-16, while American University fell to 16-16. This game highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams and set the stage for what could be an exciting finish to the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AMER -3.5 | 140.5 o -115 / u -105 | Boston University Terriers +130 · American University Eagles -155 |
Leaders
- PointsJulen Iturbe17American University Eagles
- AssistsJulen Iturbe3American University Eagles
- ReboundsGreg Jones5American University Eagles
- PointsChance Gladden22Boston University Terriers
- AssistsChance Gladden4Boston University Terriers
- ReboundsMichael McNair10Boston University Terriers
Recent form
American University Eagles
Last 10: 4-6Streak L172.1 scored · 70.2 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L73-78vs Lehigh Mountain HawksFeb 26
- W75-61at Lafayette LeopardsFeb 22
- W75-57at Bucknell BisonFeb 19
- W75-63vs Army Black KnightsFeb 14
- L82-90at Lehigh Mountain HawksFeb 12
- L73-82at Navy MidshipmenFeb 7
- L59-60vs Bucknell BisonFeb 5
- L65-67vs Lafayette LeopardsJan 31
- L68-77at Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsJan 29
- W76-67at Holy Cross CrusadersJan 24
Boston University Terriers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W177.3 scored · 70.2 allowed per game2-3 away
- W78-63vs Holy Cross CrusadersFeb 26
- L67-70at Lehigh Mountain HawksFeb 22
- W85-58vs Colgate RaidersFeb 16
- W82-69vs Bucknell BisonFeb 14
- W85-68at Army Black KnightsFeb 11
- W78-69vs Loyola Maryland GreyhoundsFeb 7
- W72-64at Holy Cross CrusadersFeb 3
- L97-103at Bucknell BisonJan 31
- L50-58vs Navy MidshipmenJan 29
- L79-80at Colgate RaidersJan 24
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navy | 26-8 | - | 17-1 |
| Colgate | 18-15 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Lehigh | 18-17 | 6 | 11-7 |
| Boston University | 17-17 | 7 | 10-8 |
| American University | 16-16 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Loyola Maryland | 12-20 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Lafayette | 11-21 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Bucknell | 10-23 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Army | 11-21 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Holy Cross | 11-22 | 12 | 5-13 |
Box score
| Stat | Boston University Terriers | American University Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-45 | 21-59 |
| Field goal % | 53 | 36 |
| Three-pointers | 8-21 | 9-32 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 28 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 14-18 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 3 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 29 | 20 |
| Assists | 11 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 8 |
| Blocks | 5 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 22 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 22 | 1 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 99 | 1 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half41-29Greg Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-30Greg Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-31Greg Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half41-32Greg Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half43-32Ben Defty makes layup
- 2nd Half45-32Ben Defty makes 8-foot hook shot (Michael McNair assists)
- 2nd Half46-32Ben Defty makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half46-35Julen Iturbe makes 25-foot three point jumper (Geoff Sprouse assists)
- 2nd Half46-38Geoff Sprouse makes 25-foot three pointer (Julen Iturbe assists)
- 2nd Half46-39Wyatt Nausadis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-40Wyatt Nausadis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-41Greg Jones makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-42Greg Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-44Matt Mayock makes 1-foot dunk (Julen Iturbe assists)
- 2nd Half47-44Michael McNair makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half48-44Michael McNair makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half49-44Michael McNair makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half49-47Julen Iturbe makes 25-foot three point jumper (Madden Collins assists)
- 2nd Half51-47Ben Defty makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-47Donte Tisinger Jr. makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-47Chance Gladden makes driving layup
- 2nd Half55-48Madden Collins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half55-49Madden Collins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-49Michael McNair makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-49Michael McNair makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half57-51Julen Iturbe makes 8-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half58-51Michael McNair makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-53Julen Iturbe makes layup
- 2nd Half58-55Julen Iturbe makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-55Chance Gladden makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-57Greg Jones makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-58Greg Jones makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-58Chance Gladden makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-58Ben Defty makes 11-foot floating jump shot (Chance Gladden assists)
- 2nd Half64-60Kade Sebastian makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-63Kade Sebastian makes 22-foot three point jumper (Julen Iturbe assists)
- 2nd Half64-65Kade Sebastian makes driving layup (Greg Jones assists)
- 2nd Half66-65Chance Gladden makes driving layup
- 2nd Half67-65Ben Defty makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-65Azmar Abdullah makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours American University Eagles, below favours Boston University Terriers.
Venue
- Bender ArenaWashington, DC
- Attendance1509
- OfficialsJon Wall, John Barley, Aran Hart
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