BOSTON (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by offensive inefficiency and critical late-game execution, the Boston University Terriers narrowly escaped the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks with a 50-47 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Saturday afternoon at Agganis Arena.

The contest, played before an announced crowd of 648, was a grind from the opening tip. Both teams combined for 34 turnovers and shot under 37 percent from the floor, with the River Hawks’ offensive woes proving particularly acute in the first half.

Boston University established an early lead, closing the first quarter ahead 11-7 and extending it to 25-13 by halftime. The River Hawks managed just 13 points in the first half, shooting a frigid 5 of 29 from the field. The Terriers, while not significantly more efficient, built their advantage on the strength of a balanced attack and capitalizing on Massachusetts-Lowell’s mistakes.

The game transformed in the third quarter as the River Hawks finally discovered their offensive rhythm. Led by junior guard Sabrina Larsson, Massachusetts-Lowell erupted for 16 points in the period, nearly doubling their first-half output. Larsson, a native of Uppsala, Sweden, spearheaded the comeback attempt, hitting key shots to close the gap. Despite the surge, the Terriers managed to maintain a slim lead, entering the final period ahead 38-35.

The fourth quarter became a back-and-forth affair with neither team able to secure more than a one-possession lead for long stretches. Larsson continued her stellar performance, tying the game at 47 with a driving layup with just over a minute remaining.

The final minute was a sequence of clutch plays and crucial mistakes. With 33 seconds left, Boston University’ Bella McLaughlin was fouled and sent to the line. The sophomore guard from Hampden, Maine, missed both free throws, giving the River Hawks a chance to take the lead. On the ensuing possession, Paris Gilmore’s layup attempt was blocked by Anete Adler, preserving the tie.

McLaughlin redeemed herself on the next trip down the floor. Fouled again with seven seconds on the clock, she calmly sank the second of two free throws to put the Terriers up 48-47. After a Massachusetts-Lowell timeout, Gilmore was fouled on an inbounds play with just three seconds remaining. The senior from Youngstown, Ohio, made the first free throw to tie the game but missed the second, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

On the miss, a scramble for the rebound resulted in a foul called on Massachusetts-Lowell’s Maddie Rice, sending McLaughlin back to the line with two seconds left. She again made one of two, putting Boston University ahead 49-47. The River Hawks’ final desperation inbound pass was stolen by Adler, who was fouled and made one more free throw to seal the three-point victory.

Larsson was the standout performer in a losing effort, finishing with a game-high 19 points and seven rebounds in 34 minutes. Gilmore added 12 points for the River Hawks, while Rice contributed nine points and seven rebounds.

The Terriers were led by Adler, a 6-foot-5 center from Keila, Estonia, who dominated the paint with 18 points, six rebounds and three blocked shots. Guard Rose Azmoudeh provided a vital offensive spark off the bench, scoring all 12 of her points on four three-pointers. Her shooting in the second quarter helped Boston University build the cushion it would ultimately need to survive the second-half rally.

Statistically, the game was a mirror image in many categories. Both teams committed 17 turnovers and registered nearly identical numbers in assists, steals, and blocks. The difference came down to slightly better shooting from the Terriers, who connected on 36.7 percent of their field goals compared to the River Hawks’ 30.4 percent. Boston University also held a narrow advantage from beyond the arc, hitting six three-pointers to Massachusetts-Lowell’s five.

The win improves Boston University’s record to 3-3 on the young season, while Massachusetts-Lowell falls to 2-3. The Terriers will look to build on the victory when they host Bryant on Wednesday. The River Hawks, meanwhile, will seek to correct their offensive struggles when they return home to face Northeastern on Tuesday.