Kyrone shines, but Terriers lose

Despite another strong effort from Barbadian sophomore Kyrone Alexander, the Boston University men’s basketball team fell to their eighth loss in 14 games on Thursday evening, as the Terriers opened Patriot League play with a 60-46 defeat to Lafayette.

Alexander, a 6-5 sophomore guard, was all but unstoppable in the first half, hitting 14 points in the first half, as they trailed 31-23 at the interval. But the rest of the team did not pick up the slack, and Alexander was limited to just two shot attempts over the final 20 minutes.

Senior Malcolm Chimezie also finished in double figures at 10 points. The duo joined graduate student Miles Brewster at eight rebounds, as the Terriers came up just short in the rebound battle to Lafayette, 43-41.

Significantly, however, whilst Alexander hit 6-12 from the field, and 1-4 from three, with the team’s sole block, the rest of the squad shot just 28 per cent (12 of 43) from the field, and 18 per cent (three of 17) from beyond the arc.

Both units finished below 33 per cent shooting from the field, but the Leopards (6-8, 1-0 Patriot League) were able to pull away in the second half by doubling the Terriers (6-8, 0-1 PL) in made three-pointers, 8-4, and posting a 16-6 advantage in free throws.

BU hurt its ability to build on positive momentum by shooting 6-for-14 (.429) from the charity stripe, while the Leopards went 16-for-21 (.762).

Alex Chaikin hit three 3-pointers en route to 14 points alongside six rebounds. Justin Vander Baan was two rebounds shy of a double-double with 10 points and three assists, while Andrew Phillips posted 12 points thanks in part to a 6-for-6 performance at the charity stripe.

Alexander, who missed two games last month due to a minor wrist injury, is averaging 13.3 points per contest, 2.2 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.1 steals on the season.