Boston University Stumbles Against Northwestern with Ill-fated Return

basketball Nov 8, 2025

EVANSTON, Ill. – The Boston University men’s basketball team faced a formidable challenge as they clashed with Northwestern, resulting in a dispiriting 76-52 defeat Friday night. With this being their first of two scheduled encounters with Big Ten programs, BU found themselves outmatched by a decisive Northwestern team riding on a high following their 70-47 victory over Mercyhurst. According to Boston University Athletics, the Wildcats stand at 2-0 this season, marking a confident start.

Key Play Highlights

Northwestern kicked off with a lightning-fast 19-4 run, setting a pace that Boston struggled to recover from.
Michael McNair stood out for BU, firing six three-pointers to accumulate a personal best of 20 points and contributing five assists, marking a career corridor in his athletic journey.
With an early setback of 22-7, McNair’s back-to-back three-pointers offered a glimmer of a comeback, yet the Wildcats’ response was a rapid 18-6 surge.

Nick Martinelli and Jayden Reid’s Dominance

In the heart of action, NU’s Nick Martinelli and Jayden Reid shone brightly, supporting their team with 20 and 17 points respectively. Martinelli balanced his scoring prowess with nine rebounds, while Reid showcased his precision passing with eight assists against a single turnover, controlling the floor with finesse.

Fresh Talent Shows Promise

From the BU bench, freshmen Sam Hughes and Chance Gladden combined efforts to contribute 17 points, hinting at the promise these newcomers could hold for the future. Despite the team’s slip, these performances offered a silver lining for the Terriers.

Upcoming Battles on the Horizon

The Terriers’ schedule remains daunting, with an upcoming home matchup against Brown, a traditionally hard-fought encounter. This game will be the first confrontation since a close 63-60 tussle at Brown in 1993. Following closely, the Terriers will face Columbia and Harvard, completing their tour of Ivy League adversaries this season.

As the basketball season unfolds, Boston University will focus on leveraging lessons learned in Evanston, with hopes pinned on refining their strategies and capitalizing on emerging talents in the lineup. The road ahead promises more pulsating action, fostering growth amid facing seasoned opponents.