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EASTON, Pa. - In a contest that mirrored the earlier meeting between the two Patriot League foes, the Leopards bested Boston U. for the second time this season, earning a 44-41 victory inside of Kirby Sports Center.

With the sweep of the Terriers, the Leopards improve to 6-10 in the Patriot League and 10-16 overall. Boston U. moves to 10-16 overall with a 5-11 mark in league play.

"The girls hung in there tonight," head coach Kia Damon stated. "It wasn't our best shooting night but we were able to get after them on the defensive end of the floor and take advantage of our zone and pounce on their miscues."

Drew Freeland led the way offensively for the Maroon and White, reaching double-figures for the fifth time this season with her team-high 15 points. Natalie Kucowski pulled down double-digit rebounds once again, finishing with 13 boards and eight points. Nia Irving led all scorers, finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

The Leopards came out firing over the opening five minutes, storming out to a 10-3 lead heading into the media timeout. Kucowski opened the scoring and Sarah Agnello capped the initial barrage with a three. The Maroon and White's lead didn't last long however, as the Terriers came charging back following the media timeout, ending the period on a 10-0 run to put the Leopards down 13-10 heading into the second quarter.

Lafayette got the better of the Terriers at the start of the second quarter, opening on an 8-2 run. Olivia Martino and Agnello both knocked down treys to help spur the outburst as the Leopards carried an 18-15 lead into the media timeout. Once again, Boston U. found its offense after the break, outpacing the Maroon and White again to take a 25-22 lead at the halftime break.

The third quarter saw the Leopards ratchet down defensively in the third quarter, forcing the Terriers to go 2-for-13 (15.4%) from the floor in the period. The Leopards used their defensive pressure to double-up the Terriers during the quarter, outscoring the visitors 14-7. Freeland added five points during the period as the Leopards pushed ahead of BU. Freeland and Alexis Santarelli went back-to-back to start the quarter, forcing the Terriers to burn a timeout. BU was able to get a few back from the charity stripe, but Lafayette headed into the fourth quarter up 36-32.

The final stanza stuck to the script as the teams fought tooth and nail for every point. After Santarelli opened the scoring for the period at the eight-minute mark, the Terriers bookended a Lafayette timeout with a 9-0 run that put the Leopards down 41-38. Stipa pulled the Leopards back within one, and Freeland sealed the deal with four free throws to give Lafayette the 44-41 victory.

Boston U. edged the Leopards on the boards, 44-40. Lafayette chased the Terriers off of the three-point arc all night, forcing them to go 2-for-19 (10.5%) from deep. Lafayette forced BU into 19 turnovers which translated into 15 points for the Maroon and White.

The Leopards host Lehigh on Saturday for senior day. Prior to the 2 p.m. start, seniors Anna Ptasinski, Sammy Stipa and Ellen Graham will be recognized for their contribution to the program over the last four years.