Boston University’s Chance Gladden hits buzzer-beating 3 to upset Navy in Patriot League semifinal

A one-possession finish ends Navy’s winning streak and sends BU to the Patriot League title game

Boston University advanced to the Patriot League men’s basketball championship on Sunday, March 8, 2026, after a last-second 3-pointer by Chance Gladden delivered a 73-72 semifinal victory over top-seeded Navy.

The shot, released at the buzzer, capped a second-half rally for the Terriers and ended Navy’s 14-game winning streak. The win moved Boston University into the conference title game, where the league’s automatic NCAA Tournament berth is decided.

Gladden’s buzzer-beater completed a game in which BU had to chase Navy for long stretches before closing the final seconds with a single possession.

How the game turned in the second half

Gladden finished with 26 points, with the bulk of his scoring coming after halftime. Navy led 35-36 at the break in a tightly played game that remained within one or two possessions deep into the second half.

Navy’s offense relied heavily on efficient interior finishing and second-chance opportunities, while Boston University’s comeback was built on perimeter shot-making and a faster tempo after the break. The final margin reflected a game that offered little separation: both teams traded leads late, setting up the final possession and Gladden’s winner.

Key figures and the late-game sequence

Navy entered the semifinal as the tournament’s top seed and one of the league’s most consistent teams across the season. In the closing minutes, the Midshipmen continued to generate quality looks, but the game ultimately hinged on a single defensive stop and Boston University’s ability to get a clean attempt in the final seconds.

• Final score: Boston University 73, Navy 72.

• Decisive play: Chance Gladden’s 3-pointer at the buzzer.

• Context: Navy’s 14-game winning streak ended with the loss.

The result also marked a notable postseason swing from the prior year’s tournament meeting between the programs, when Navy eliminated Boston University in the Patriot League quarterfinals. This time, Boston University delivered the late-game shot to reverse that outcome and move within one win of the league’s NCAA automatic bid.

What it means for Boston University and Navy

For Boston University, the win adds a signature moment to its postseason run and secures a spot in the Patriot League championship game. For Navy, the loss closes a streak that had carried the Midshipmen through the end of the regular season and into the conference tournament, shifting their postseason outlook to at-large considerations and other postseason pathways.

The Patriot League title game will determine the conference champion and its automatic entry into the NCAA Tournament.