St. Bonaventure 95, Fordham 51
How Bona Won: It was a complete mismatch when Fordham's Chris Gaston had to miss game because of a one-game suspension. He's one of conference's better players, averaging 15.4 points and 10.5 boards. Without him, Bona had everything its way on the inside. Andrew Nicholson and Da'Quan Cook combined for 37 points and 17 rebounds. It was never, ever a game.
Player of the Game: Cook seized the opportunity from the outset and finished with a season-high 18 points and eight rebounds. He was 6 of 11 from the field.
Stat of the Game: The Bonnies went 24 of 26 from the foul line. That's 92.3 percent. Cook and Youssou Ndoye had the misses. I imagine they'll be running suicides next practice.
Stat of the Game II: Fordham shot 41.7 percent in the second half -- and still finished at 29.1 for the game. The Rams made 6 of 31 first-half shots.
In the House: 4,119 turned up and had a jolly-good time.
They Said It:
Fordham coach Tom Pecora: "Today's my birthday. Nice present, huh?"
Bona coach Mark Schmidt: "We emphasize all the time the three aspects of the game -- defending, rebounding and taking care of the ball. In all three facets I thought we excelled."
Eye-Opener: Circumstance afforded freshman guard Jordan Gathers 20 minutes off the bench. He has game: 12 points, seven rebounds and 5-of-7 shooting from the field (including 2 of 4 from three). Strong on the ball, too.
What It Means: Bona's 10-7 overall and 3-2 in the A-10. They're 7-1 at the Reilly Center.
Next Up: The Bonnies travel to Rhode Island Wednesday to face former coach Jim Baron, who's on the hot seat. Road wins are hard to come by. The Bonnies need this one.
-- Bob DiCesare
tagged
Atlantic 10 | College basketball | St. Bonaventure
