1. UMass bounces back in a big way
After a really tough road loss at Ole Miss on Monday, the Minutemen responded with a 70-67 victory over former A-10 foe Temple. The Owls have already faced, and beaten, La Salle this season-another team expected to make some noise in conference play this season. So this win is a significant résumé builder for the Minutemen. UMass was lead by freshman Dejon Jarreau, who had 16 points, along with 7 assists and 4 rebounds. Donte Clark added 14 points while Rashaan Holloway added 11.
UMass improved to 2-1 on the season, and will have a chance to really pad their résumé with remaining non-conference games against Harvard, Wagner (who beat UConn on opening night) and most notably Providence. The Minutemen will next play at Holy Cross on Sunday at 1:05PM.
2. Saint Bonaventure is still a force to be reckoned with
Despite trailing by as many as 15 points, the Bonnies stormed back with a 12-0 run to pull within three with 5:27 left in the second half. The Bonnnies, however were unable to tie the game until there was just 1:37 in the game. While Florida ended up pulling out a 73-66 win, this game showed up the Saint Bonaventure is still a force to be reckoned with this season.
After falling just short of the NCAA Tournament last season, you know the Bonnies are looking to avenge the short-comings of last season. Or at least, make some noise in the Atlantic 10 this season, and this team looks primed to do just that.
3. George Washington is quietly 3-0
After very close wins over Bowie State (preseason), UMES and Siena, the Colonials were finally able to enjoy a blowout win, as they discarded Arkansas-Pine Bluff 61-41. Tyler Cavanaugh was the only GW player in double figures with 18 points, along with 10 rebounds. 10 others players recorded at least a basket, as the balanced scoring of GW continues to be a strong point of this team. Free throw shooting tonight, however was not a strong point, as the Colonials shot just 23-41 (63.4%) from the line.
Though as much as George Washington is being overlooked right now, they are one of only five Atlantic 10 teams to remain undefeated. One of those other teams: #21 Rhode Island. While the argument can easily be made that GW has struggled against their early-season opponents, it has yet to suffer a loss. If the Colonials are for real this season, we will find out very shortly. If GW is to not-only draw a match-up with #7 Kansas on Tuesday, but actually defeat the Jawhawks less than 50 miles from Lawrence, the balance of power in the A-10 will certainly shift. Though, that seems like a very tough feat for this team.
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