EASTON, Pa. (Interstat) — In a rematch of a heartbreaking loss just two weeks prior, the Boston University women’s basketball team authored a decisive response Wednesday afternoon, leaning on a dominant performance from center Anete Adler to defeat Lafayette 66-55 in a Patriot League contest at Kirby Sports Center.

The victory, played before a crowd of 1,896, avenged a 65-64 home loss to the Leopards on Jan. 7 and snapped a two-game skid for the Terriers. Boston University improved to 6-12 overall, while Lafayette fell to 7-11.

The most important part of the game was Boston University’s immediate and sustained defensive intensity, which built a lead Lafayette could never seriously threaten. From the opening tip, the Terriers imposed their will inside, particularly through the 6-foot-5 Adler. The sophomore from Keila, Estonia, controlled the paint on both ends, recording a game-high 27 points, 16 rebounds and four blocked shots. Her presence disrupted Lafayette’s offense all afternoon, forcing contested shots and limiting second-chance opportunities early.

Boston University set the tone in the first quarter, holding Lafayette to just 12 points on 5-of-17 shooting while building a 15-12 lead. The Terriers extended their advantage decisively in the second period, outscoring the Leopards 18-9. A key 8-0 run midway through the quarter, fueled by Adler and fellow forward Anastasiia Semenova, stretched the lead to 33-18. Semenova, a 6-2 freshman from St. Petersburg, Russia, finished with 15 points and seven rebounds.

Lafayette, which entered the game with a 64.3% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, never found an offensive rhythm. The Leopards shot a frigid 32.3% from the field for the game and just 8 of 24 from three-point range. While they won the turnover battle, committing only seven to Boston University’s 12, they could not overcome their poor shooting.

The Terriers’ backcourt, led by Hildur Gunnsteinsdóttir and Audrey Ericksen, facilitated the offense efficiently against Lafayette’s pressure. Gunnsteinsdóttir, a guard from Selfoss, Iceland, dished out eight assists, while Ericksen added four assists and nine points. Guard Bella McLaughlin also contributed seven assists off the bench.

For Lafayette, forward Maddison Krug posted a double-double with 11 points and 14 rebounds. Guard Sauda Ntaconayigize led the Leopards in scoring with 12 points, all from beyond the arc, and Teresa Kiewiet also added 12 points. Haylie Adamski chipped in eight points and four assists.

Boston University’s lead ballooned to as many as 20 points in the third quarter before Lafayette mounted a late push. The Leopards outscored the Terriers 20-13 in the final period, closing to within 11 points in the final minute, but the early deficit proved insurmountable.

Statistically, the game was won in the paint and on the glass. Boston University outrebounded Lafayette 42-35 and scored 40 points in the paint to Lafayette’s 20. The Terriers’ offensive rating of 105.9 on 62 possessions starkly outpaced the Leopards’ 86.9 on 63 possessions, underlining the difference in scoring efficiency.

Adler’s performance marked a significant rebound from her recent outings, including a five-point effort in the loss to Loyola Maryland. Her 27 points and 16 rebounds were both season highs, providing the interior anchor Boston University needed to secure the road victory.

Both teams continue Patriot League play on Saturday. Boston University returns home to host Colgate, while Lafayette travels to face Lehigh.