Dec 22, 2003

Box Score

BOSTON (AP) - Ryan Butt hit a pair of free throws with 2.7 seconds left to lead Boston University past Cleveland State 64-62 Monday, their fourth straight win following an 0-3 start.

Boston U. (4-3) blew a nine-point lead, then rallied late by outscoring Cleveland State 10-3 down the stretch. The Vikings (4-5), who sank 17 of their first 18 free throw attempts, hit just 3-of-8 in the closing minutes to give the Terriers life.

With the game tied at 62-62, Butt, a center, was forced to take a 3-point shot. Sensing Omari Westley overpursuing the play, Butt ball-faked and drew a foul.

Butt hit his first two free throws, but missed his final attempt. The Vikings grabbed the rebound, but Percell Coles' desperation heave at the buzzer fell short.

Boston started the second half with a 14-5 run, keyed by nine points from Matt Turner, to take a 47-38 lead.

The Vikings rallied to jump ahead 59-54 with 5:48 left on the strength of a 21-7 run. But Boston came back to take a 61-60 lead with 3:08 left on a Butt basket.

Turner led the Terriers with 16 points, and Butt added 13 points. Westley scored 17 points for the Vikings, who outrebounded Boston 43-29.