LEWISBURG, Pa. — Emma Theodorsson scored a career-high 31 points and Ashley Sofilkanich registered seven points, ten rebounds, five blocks, and four assists to lead the Bucknell women’s basketball team to a 61-52 victory over Boston University Wednesday evening at Sojka Pavilion. The Bison outscored the Terriers 18-7 in the fourth quarter to notch their first Patriot League victory.

Boston University (11-5, 3-2 PL) entered the game having won five of its last six contests, while Bucknell (4-12, 1-4 PL) snapped a five-game losing streak.

“Theo was the player of the game,” said head coach Trevor Woodruff. “She made all the big baskets. What should not go unnoticed is just not the points but the efficiency. She scored 31 points on 18 shots. She had a big pass later in the game as well.”

The Bison defense was key in the final period, as the Terriers went nearly eight minutes without a field goal. Bucknell reeled off a 9-1 run during that span to open a 57-50 advantage. Theodorsson made 3 of 4 free throws in the final 20 seconds to seal the victory. The final nine-point margin was the largest of the game for the Bison.

Theodorsson’s previous career high was 26 points, and she became the first Bison player to reach the 30-point plateau since Taylor O’Brien in 2022. Theodorsson was 10-for-18 from the field, 3-for-5 from 3-point range, and 8-for-10 from the free throw line. 

Blake Matthews also had a strong performance for Bucknell with seven points, seven rebounds, and four steals. She hit a key 3-pointer with just under six minutes to play that staked the Bison to a 53-49 advantage.

Sofilkanich’s five blocks — all of which came in the first half — marked the most for a Bucknell player since Sune Swart in 2017. 

The Bison held Boston’s leading scorer, Caitlin Weimar, to 16 points, nearly three below her average, and nine rebounds, two below her average. Weimar, who drew 13 fouls in the contest, shot just 6 of 18 from the field and 4 of 11 from the free throw line.

Bucknell displayed a hardened tone from the opening tip. Boston obtained a lead three times in the first four minutes and Bucknell immediately countered with a basket. Julie Kulesza and Sofilkanich drained three-pointers to give the Bison a 10-6 lead. The Orange & Blue added six points via Theodorsson contributions to win the opening period, 16-11. 
 

GAMEDAY GRAPHIC MAGIC!

Julie delivers a three and we have a 10-6 lead.

Watch: https://t.co/7cfJAZlMfR@PatriotLeagueTV |@ESPN#rayBucknell | #tst pic.twitter.com/4yUqnVHLXy

— Bucknell WBB (@Bucknell_WBB) January 17, 2024

The Bison led most of the second quarter despite the Terriers nipping at their hooves. Boston University turned an 18-12 Bucknell advantage into an 18-18 deadlock. The tie lasted merely 17 seconds before Theodorsson converted a layup, and then she added a trey for a 5-0 run. The Terriers were undaunted and again tied the contest. Bucknell regained the advantage at 27-24, but the Terriers closed the quarter on a 9-3 stretch for the 33-30 halftime lead. 

Theodorsson foreshadowed the eventual outcome out of halftime with a game-tying three-pointer. Boston University forged ahead and again Bucknell tied it. The two teams traded the lead four times, as neither side could obtain a lengthy run. The visitors used an Alex Giannaros three-pointer to take a 45-41 lead. Ashley O’Connor answered with a basket nine seconds before the quarter ended to give Bucknell momentum. 

O’Connor carried over the momentum from her last basket into the fourth quarter. She hit a three-pointer 13 seconds into the period for the 46-45 lead. Four lead changes later saw the Bison clinging to a 50-49 advantage with 8:05 remaining. Then both teams went cold, and neither unit scored until Matthews drained a trey with 5:51 left.
 

BLAKE!!!!

BIG TIME BUCKET!

Watch: https://t.co/7cfJAZlMfR@PatriotLeagueTV |@ESPN#rayBucknell | #tst pic.twitter.com/jJtW8ehXeO

— Bucknell WBB (@Bucknell_WBB) January 18, 2024

Boston University would stay frozen as the outside weather as the Terriers did not make a shot from 8:26 until only 34 seconds left. Bucknell was also frosty. The Bison would not add to the 53-49 lead until Theodorsson added two free throws at 1:17. Boston added a free throw and attempted to set up a press. Bucknell easily broke through the defense, and Grace Sullivan converted a layup to ice the game. A Terrier layup proved meaningless as the Bison finished the game making four free throws to win 61-52. 
 

SULLY!

How to beat the press!

57-50 lead!

Watch: https://t.co/7cfJAZlMfR@PatriotLeagueTV |@ESPN#rayBucknell | #tst pic.twitter.com/0PBp9vBfTT

— Bucknell WBB (@Bucknell_WBB) January 18, 2024

Up Next

The Bison remain at Sojka Pavilion to play Lafayette on Saturday.