This time, however, BU would answer quickly, knotting the game minutes later when defenseman Bryan Miller beat Welch and slipped the puck over Grumet-Morris’ glove.

That goal marked the beginning of more exciting play after what had been a lackluster first half of the game. Neither team could generate many quality scoring chances early. The Crimson had only three shots in the entire first period.

“In general, it was not as exciting as you normally see when these two teams play,” BU coach Jack Parker said. “The pace just didn’t seem to be there.”

Although the Beanpot title is out of reach, Harvard still has a shot at the ECAC regular-season crown. With No. 4 Cornell’s shocking loss to Colgate last Thursday, Harvard now controls its destiny in conference play, but it will need to regroup for Friday’s 7 p.m. game at RPI.

The Crimson will play Northeastern in the Beanpot consolation at 5 p.m. this coming Monday.

Staff writer Elijah M. Alper can be reached at alper@fas.harvard.edu.