Northeastern University defeated Boston College in the Liberty DIA Conference Saturday, while the rest of the conference played challenge matches at Fairfield University.

The Huskies got early tries from lock Lowell Haska and No. 8 Alex Parciak, both converted by Darren Chan, for a 14-0 lead. But it was the second half that saw Northeastern take control. Center Jack Bambrick and then Chan, the scrumhalf, touched down early n the second half. Chan converted his try and tries from wing Ryan Connolly and reserve back Sam Moyle capped it off.

Northeast won 38-14.

The other top team in the Liberty Conference, Iona, took on St. Bonaventure in a challenge match. Iona led 10-5 at halftime, but they paid for it. With flanker Cam DiGiorgio out from an injury sustained Friday, the Gaels saw seven players hit with injuries. 

"It was just one of those days," said Iona Head Coach Bruce McLane. "Maybe we were complacent for 20 minutes, and they capitalized. Certainly we had to be better, and we weren't."

St. Bonaventure scored four tries in the second half to pull away 33-22.

"Our forwards have been consistent all year and they brought their best today," said St. Bonaventure Head Coach Tui Osborne. "Our defense as a team was outstanding and we knew had to take away their space or we’d be in trouble, especially with their big centers and quick backs."

No. 8 Jack Wiles had a superb game both with the ball and on defense. Fullback Wesley Chiromo provided a much-needed spark, and freshman scrumhalf Lorenzo Villani did well going up against his excellent opposite number, Connor Buckley.

"His composure and delivery kept our attack on the front foot," said Osborne.

AIC edged Syracuse 19-17, Tufts beat SUNY Cortland, Fordham shut out Binghamton, and Colgate beat Stony Brook in other Liberty action.