BOSTON (Interstat) — Tuana Coskun scored 26 points and Bucknell’s defense forced 15 turnovers to fuel a 62-51 victory over Boston University in a Patriot League women’s basketball game Saturday at Agganis Arena.

The Bison, who entered the contest with a 5-14 record, used a dominant first half to seize control and never trailed, handing the Terriers a third consecutive loss and dropping both teams below .500 in conference play.

The most critical phase of the game was the opening quarter, where Bucknell established a tone of defensive pressure and efficient scoring that Boston University could never fully answer. The Bison opened the game on a 10-2 run, sparked by an early Reese Zemitis three-pointer and a steal that led to a three-point play by Coskun. While the Terriers briefly found a rhythm behind Anastasiia Semenova and Aoibhe Gormley to pull within 16-13, Bucknell closed the period with a Desirae Ashton three-pointer at the buzzer to take a 21-16 lead. That sequence halted Boston University’s momentum and ensured the Bison would carry a multi-possession advantage into the second quarter, an edge they would not relinquish.

Bucknell extended its lead to 39-29 by halftime, thanks largely to Coskun’s 16 first-half points and a stifling defensive effort that limited Boston University’s ball movement. The Terriers managed only two assists for the entire game, a statistic that underscored their offensive struggles against Bucknell’s active hands. The Bison recorded 12 steals, leading to 19 points off turnovers, while committing only five turnovers themselves.

Coskun, a junior from Istanbul, Turkey, finished 11-of-24 from the field, including three three-pointers, and added three rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes. Ashton provided crucial offensive support with 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, along with four rebounds and two steals. Ella Kreuzer facilitated the offense with nine points and a game-high four assists.

Boston University was led by Anete Adler, who tallied 12 points, five assists and two blocks. Anastasiia Semenova contributed six points and six rebounds, while Aoibhe Gormley and Bella McLaughlin each added eight points. The Terriers shot just 36.4% from the field and 27.3% from three-point range, hampered by Bucknell’s consistent defensive pressure.

After building a 49-38 lead through three quarters, Bucknell saw its advantage cut to eight points early in the fourth. Coskun responded with six points during a decisive 8-2 run that pushed the lead back to 14 with just over four minutes remaining, effectively sealing the game. The Bison shot 47.3% from the field overall and finished with 12 assists on 26 made baskets.

The win improved Bucknell to 6-14 overall and 3-6 in the Patriot League. Boston University fell to 7-14 and 4-5. The teams are scheduled to meet again in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 14.

Bucknell, which entered the game with a projected win probability of just 33.4% according to Interstat’s ELO system, secured its second victory in three games after a prolonged mid-season slump. Boston University, meanwhile, continued to search for consistency after failing to build on a two-game winning streak from the previous week.

Attendance at Agganis Arena was 515.