Whitlock scores 18, Lehigh beats Boston University 74-60,...

Whitlock's 18-Point Performance Powers Lehigh to 74-60 Patriot League Tournament Victory Over Boston University

2026-03-12 01:35

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**Lehigh Mountain Hawks Claim Patriot League Championship with Dominant 74-60 Victory Over Boston University** Second-seeded Lehigh University secured the Patriot League title Wednesday night in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, dismantling fourth-seeded Boston University 74-60 behind a balanced, multi-contributor offensive performance. Nasir Whitlock led the charge with 18 points, while Joshua Ingram and Edouard Benoit each delivered 15-point efforts — a depth-driven attack that proved impossible for the Terriers to contain. The Mountain Hawks' ability to distribute scoring load across multiple key players underscored a team-first system built on offensive versatility and consistent execution under tournament pressure. Lehigh's championship run as a two-seed defeating a higher-seeded program reinforces the program's growing competitive identity within mid-major college basketball. The Patriot League title positions Lehigh for NCAA Tournament consideration, where mid-major conference champions have historically generated significant bracket disruption — keeping the Mountain Hawks firmly on the radar of college basketball analysts and March Madness enthusiasts alike.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — A commanding performance from Nasir Whitlock, who delivered 18 points, combined with balanced contributions of 15 points apiece from Joshua Ingram and Edouard Benoit propelled second-seeded Lehigh past fourth-seeded Boston University 74-60 on Wednesday evening, capturing the Patriot League Tournament championship and securing the Mountain Hawks' first NCAA Tournament appearance in over a decade — their last berth dating back to 2012.

Hank Alvey proved equally instrumental for Lehigh (18-16), posting a well-rounded stat line of 14 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocked shots across the contest.

The decisive momentum shift arrived when Ingram drained a three-pointer before Whitlock answered with a signature step-back jumper, pushing the lead to 13-12 — an advantage Lehigh would never relinquish for the remainder of the game.

Despite the defeat, Boston University's Ben Defty delivered an efficient offensive outing, converting 8 of 11 field goal attempts for 21 points and pulling down eight rebounds as the Terriers (17-17) fell short. Michael McNair chipped in 14 points in a supporting role, while Chance Gladden contributed 11 and Donte Tisinger Jr. rounded out BU's scoring with 10 points.

Gladden had been the hero just days earlier, drilling a half-court logo three-pointer at the buzzer to lift BU past top-seeded Navy 73-72 in a dramatic semifinal victory.

It is worth noting that Boston University previously claimed the conference tournament title in 2020, though the subsequent NCAA Tournament was ultimately scrapped amid the COVID-19 pandemic, denying the program its long-awaited postseason opportunity.

Up next

BU: Season concluded.

Lehigh: The Mountain Hawks now await their seeding assignment and first-round opponent as the NCAA Tournament bracket takes shape.

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