Boston U. edges Holy Cross 75-72 in overtime

WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) Justin Alston scored 17 points, including the go-ahead bucket in overtime, to lift Boston University to a 75-72 win over Holy Cross in the conference opener for both teams Wednesday.

Boston U. (5-7, 1-0 Patriot League) used a 9-4 run bookended by free throws from Cedric Hankerson to tie the score at 64 but his potentially game-winning layup just ahead of the buzzer was blocked by Malcom Miller to force overtime.

In the extra period, Holy Cross (5-6, 0-1) took a 72-71 lead on a pair of free throws from Taylor Abt, but Alston quickly sank a layup to reclaim the edge with 39 seconds left, then hit a free throw down the stretch and John Papale capped it off with another to seal the win.

Hankerson also finished with 17 points for the Terriers, who shot 61 percent but had 20 turnovers.

Miller led Holy Cross with 21 points.