Bonnies Aim to Rebound in Upcoming Fordham Clash

St. Bonaventure is preparing to face Fordham in a crucial matchup for both teams, as they seek their first victories in Atlantic 10 (A10) play. Currently, Fordham holds a record of 0-3 in the conference and 9-7 overall, while the Bonnies are 0-2 with an overall record of 11-4. This pivotal game will take place at the Reilly Center on Saturday.

Bonnies’ Recent Performance

The Bonnies began their A10 campaign with a loss to VCU, suffering a narrow 89-82 defeat on New Year’s Eve. In their home opener against Richmond, they experienced a similar setback, falling 89-80. While the scores resemble each other, the games differed significantly. Richmond led at halftime and expanded their advantage to as much as 16 points before St. Bonaventure made a brief comeback.

Defensive Challenges

• The Bonnies allowed Richmond to shoot 42% from the field.
• St. Bonaventure’s defensive efficiency stood at a concerning 130.

Despite their offensive prowess, ranking among the top five in the A10, their defensive struggles put them near the bottom of the league. The team’s offensive efficiency is commendable, reflecting performance metrics that show 115 against Richmond, but their defensive numbers are troubling.

Fordham’s Struggles and Strengths

Fordham, under first-year head coach Mike Magpayo, also seeks their first A10 win after recent losses to George Mason and Richmond. The Rams are currently ranked 12th in offensive efficiency at 100 but fare better defensively, sitting at 9th with a rating of 113.

Key Matchups

A critical matchup will be the battle for rebounds between Frank Mitchell of St. Bonaventure and Rikus Schulte of Fordham. Mitchell leads the A10 in rebounding, boasting a 17% offensive rebounding rate, which ranks 19th nationally. Schulte closely follows, with a 16% rate, placing him 29th nationally. This contest for boards could heavily influence the game’s outcome.

Notable Players

• Dejour Reaves: Fordham’s top scorer at 16.5 points per game, a transfer from Iona.
• Buddy Simmons: Led the Bonnies with 18 points in the game against Richmond, showing potential for multiple scoring threats.

Looking Ahead

Saturday’s game is expected to generate excitement and could provide clarity on both teams’ trajectories in A10 play. Insights from KenPom.com suggest a predicted victory for the Bonnies, but results will be determined on the court. Defensive execution, particularly in limiting Fordham’s offensive rebounds, will be vital for St. Bonaventure.

Historical Context

As a noteworthy event, St. Bonaventure will retire the jersey of former standout Glenn Hagan. Hagan was part of Bonaventure’s 1977 NIT championship team.