BOSTON – A furious last-minute rally fell short as the American University women's basketball team dropped a 63-59 decision to Boston University on Wednesday evening at Case Gym.

Trailing 59-50 with just over a minute left in regulation, the Eagles hit three consecutive three-pointers—including back-to-back shots by sophomore Maria Liddane—to cut the margin to one point. However, American missed several shots down the stretch while BU knocked down three-of-four free throws in the final 30 seconds to secure the win.

Junior Jordan Light matched a career high with 15 points to lead American, while freshman Cecily Carl added a personal-best 14 points. Meanwhile, Liddane added a career-high 12 assists to her six points.

The Terriers had four players score in double figures, led by Kara Sheftic with 15 points.

American (4-12, 2-3 PL) never led against the Terriers, who jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first three minutes of the game. Carl gave American its first points of the game with a three-pointer at the 5:55 mark, but the Eagles got no closer than seven points in the period, going into the second quarter trailing 17-6.

BU (1-15, 1-4 PL) extended its lead to 27-17 with three and a half minutes remaining in the second quarter, but the Eagles, boosted by three consecutive three-pointers by Light, went on a 14-4 run to head into the intermission tied at 31-31.

After the break, the Terriers regained the advantage, pushing their lead to 50-43 heading into the final stanza. American cut the margin to 54-50 with 5:10 remaining, before BU made another push.

American shot over 39 percent from long range, knocking down a season-high nine three-pointers and dished out a season-best 20 assists with just 10 turnovers. However, the Eagles gave up a 36-27 advantage on the boards, giving BU 11 second-chance points.

The Eagles return home for their next two contests, starting with a matchup versus Patriot League preseason favorite Army West Point on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 2 p.m.