Struggling Patriot League Teams Seek First Conference Win as Boston University Visits American

WASHINGTON (Interstat) — Two teams looking to halt losing streaks and find momentum in Patriot League play will meet Saturday when the Boston University Terriers face the American Eagles at Bender Arena.

Both sides enter the 2026 conference opener seeking a reset after difficult non-conference slates. Boston University (4-8) has dropped four of its last five, including a 77-64 home loss to Navy on Wednesday. American (2-10) has lost eight of its last nine, most recently a 68-59 defeat at Loyola Maryland on New Year’s Eve.

The matchup features two of the league’s top individual scorers, who will be central to their teams’ hopes. Boston University is led by Anete Adler, who is coming off a 23-point, 8-rebound performance against Navy. Over her last three games, the standout has averaged 15.7 points and 5.7 rebounds.

American will counter with guard Madisyn Moore-Nicholson, who has been a consistent bright spot. She has scored in double figures in seven straight games, averaging 17.1 points over that stretch. She poured in 21 points in the loss to Loyola Maryland.

Despite their records, both teams have shown sporadic flashes. The Terriers’ 103-32 rout of Me.-Fort Kent on Dec. 20 demonstrated their offensive potential, while the Eagles secured a 65-61 home victory over UMBC on Dec. 21.

For Boston University, secondary support for Adler will be key. Audrey Ericksen contributed 5 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists against Navy. American will rely on Charlotte Tuhy (16 points vs. Loyola) and Molly Driscoll (14 points, 4 assists) to complement Moore-Nicholson’s production.

The game marks the start of the 18-game Patriot League schedule, where both programs aim to improve upon their early-season struggles. History suggests a close contest; last season, these teams split their two meetings, each winning on their home court.

Tip-off is set for Saturday afternoon in the nation’s capital.