WEST POINT, N.Y. — It was a gutsy performance from Army, which struggled early on against Boston University but started to turn the heat up before halftime. In the second half, we saw an Army team on a mission, and their biggest players came up clutch when it mattered most. Reese Ericson dropped 17 points, including five from deep, with two assists, while Kya Smith and Camryn Tade each added 15 points in the big win over Boston University. The victory drops BU to 4-11 (0-4 in the Patriot League), while Army improves to 12-3 (3-1 in the Patriot League).
The Black Knights got off to a slow start, shooting just 33% in the first quarter and 20% in the second, trailing 28-22 at halftime.
Head coach Katie Kuester noted the team’s resilience and willingness to fight through adversity: “This team, as you said, is so resilient—they fight for each other every day. It makes coaching them so enjoyable, because you know they have each other’s back and will pick each other up to get the job done.”
That sense of unity was on full display in the second half. Army came out of the locker room determined, tightening up defensively and attacking the rim with purpose. The Black Knights forced 18 Boston U. turnovers (converting them into 23 points), and the offense finally found its rhythm. Camryn Tade, who finished with 15 points and five assists, orchestrated a third-quarter surge, and by the fourth, Army was rolling—shooting 81.8% from the field and a perfect 4-for-4 from three.
Reese Ericson, who led all scorers with 17 points, credited the team’s selfless culture for their ability to win close games: “It’s great having teammates who have each other’s back—no matter who’s on that day, the whole team buys in and makes sure they get fed to help the team. It doesn’t always have to be me; it can be Cam, Kya, Tay, you name it. This team is so fun—we’ve bonded and have each other’s backs day in and day out. We pick each other up and we fight for each other.”
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Hear From Coach Katie and Reese
Army’s versatility was evident as Kuester highlighted how the team has begun running plays for different players, keeping opponents guessing. “This group doesn’t rely on just one player—we’ve started taking plays originally run for Reese and running them for Cam, and we have sets for Kya too. It’s great to see players stepping up and lifting one another up,” she explained.
The fourth quarter was a showcase of Army’s resolve. Down by as many as six, the Black Knights stormed back, led by Ericson’s back-to-back threes and Kya Smith’s clutch buckets in the paint. The team’s energy was contagious—“Having a player like Reese is amazing—she brings the energy, and when she’s on, other teams have to watch out. It opens up opportunities for everyone else on the roster who can play just as well,” Kuester added.
Black Knight News:
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Despite the late-night arrival from Baltimore after their previous win at Loyola Maryland, Army dug deep. “We probably got off to a slow start today—maybe getting in at 2 a.m. from Baltimore after playing Loyola Maryland had something to do with it—but this team just dug in and got the job done. They don’t quit; they continue to battle and fight no matter the scoreline,” said Kuester.
Ericson, who is also excelling off the court, shared, “While I wasn’t able to branch in Basketball (says with a laugh), I did get my first choice in Engineering, which is amazing, and I’m so thankful.”
Boston U. shot 56% from the field and outscored Army in the paint, but the Black Knights’ ability to force turnovers and capitalize in transition proved decisive. Army’s defense held strong when it mattered, and the team’s depth and unselfishness shone through in the closing minutes.
With the win, Army sets its sights on a key Patriot League matchup against Holy Cross. Kuester is confident her team will be ready: “Going into the game against Holy Cross, we’ll be ready. We love our study sessions, and we’ll come out strong against a well-coached team.”
Team Stats by Quarter
- Boston U.:
- 1st: 7-12 FG (58.3%), 2-4 3PT (50%), 0-0 FT
- 2nd: 5-10 FG (50%), 0-1 3PT, 2-4 FT (50%)
- 3rd: 4-7 FG (57.1%), 0-1 3PT, 7-8 FT (87.5%)
- 4th: 6-10 FG (60%), 2-4 3PT (50%), 0-0 FT
- Total: 22-39 FG (56.4%), 4-10 3PT (40%), 9-12 FT (75%)
- Points in the Paint: 30 | Bench Points: 16 | Points off Turnovers: 10 | Second Chance Points: 1
- Army:
- 1st: 5-15 FG (33.3%), 3-9 3PT (33.3%), 0-0 FT
- 2nd: 2-10 FG (20%), 0-4 3PT, 5-8 FT (62.5%)
- 3rd: 6-15 FG (40%), 2-5 3PT (40%), 4-4 FT (100%)
- 4th: 9-11 FG (81.8%), 4-4 3PT (100%), 2-3 FT (66.7%)
- Total: 22-51 FG (43.1%), 9-22 3PT (40.9%), 11-15 FT (73.3%)
- Points in the Paint: 18 | Bench Points: 8 | Points off Turnovers: 23 | Second Chance Points: 6
Key Stats & Standouts
- Reese Ericson: 17 pts (6-11 FG, 5-9 3PT), 2 ast, 1 reb, 1 stl
- Kya Smith: 15 pts (5-9 FG, 1-1 3PT, 4-5 FT), 7 reb, 3 ast
- Camryn Tade: 15 pts (5-9 FG, 2-3 3PT, 3-4 FT), 5 ast, 2 reb, 1 stl
- Taylor Wilson: 8 pts, 3 reb, 1 ast
- Army 4th Quarter: 81.8% FG, 100% 3PT, outscored BU 24-14
- Defense: Forced 18 BU turnovers (23 points off TOs)
As the Black Knights look ahead, their identity is clear: a connected, unselfish team that thrives on adversity and refuses to back down.
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