Boston University men’s lacrosse drops 16-11 decision at Yale despite 48 shots and six-point day

Yale builds early cushion, holds off second-half push at Reese Stadium

Boston University’s 15th/18th-ranked men’s lacrosse team fell at Yale, 16-11, on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in New Haven, Connecticut. The loss moved BU to 2-2, while Yale improved to 2-1 in a nonconference matchup at Reese Stadium.

Yale seized control early, scoring the game’s first four goals and later opening the second quarter with another four-goal run. That sequence pushed the Bulldogs ahead 9-2 and put Boston University in a multi-goal chase for most of the afternoon. BU trimmed the deficit to 9-4 by halftime and twice cut the margin to four goals in the second half, but Yale closed the game with a late surge to restore separation.

Shannehan drives BU offense; Yale’s Friedman anchors the defensive finish

Sophomore Timothy Shannehan led Boston University with six points. The Terriers generated significant volume, outshooting Yale 48-36, but were repeatedly turned away in key stretches by Yale goalkeeper Ben Friedman, who finished with 20 saves. BU goalkeeper Connor Phillips recorded 10 saves.

Boston University’s extra-man unit was a bright spot, converting 4 of 6 opportunities. Yale had two extra-man chances in the game.

Possession and pressure metrics favored BU, but early deficits proved costly

Beyond the shot advantage, Boston University posted several indicators typically associated with controlling play. The Terriers caused 17 turnovers and held Yale to 16-for-25 clearing. BU also finished with 41 ground balls, aligning with its season-long emphasis on loose-ball play.

At the faceoff X, the teams split 30 draws evenly (15-15), with BU’s Madden Murphy going 11-for-19 and adding five ground balls. Midfielders Mike Rooney and Andrew Pape each recorded one goal and two assists while also contributing three ground balls apiece. Jimmy Kohr and Peyton Forte scored two goals each, and Finn Lawrence added a goal and an assist.

• Score by quarter: Yale led 5-2 after the first and 9-4 at halftime.
• BU cut the margin to 13-9 early in the fourth before Yale’s three-goal run made it 16-9.
• BU scored twice late to reach 16-11, but did not convert on final possessions.

Boston University’s combination of high shot volume, efficient man-up finishing, and forced turnovers kept the game within reach, but Yale’s early scoring runs and late fourth-quarter sequence proved decisive.

What’s next

Boston University is scheduled to open Patriot League play on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Nickerson Field against Navy, with a noon faceoff.