St. Bonaventure moved back into first place in the A10. Bonnies also snapped a four game losing streak against a Davidson club that has been a thorn in the side since joining the A!0. Bona’s 69-58 victory at Reilly Center on Sunday, left Davidson at 13-6 (6-3 A10). Davidson also had a four game conference win streak snapped in the process. The Bonnies are now 11-3 (9-3). Numbers:
Possessions: 56. Both teams average a deliberate 65 possessions per game. This was a grind it out affair, a little more suited for Bona, as Davidson will run given the opportunity.
Offensive efficiency (points per possession). St. Bona 123, Davidson 104. Defense was actually good for Bona. Bob McKillop’s Wildcats broke 100 in efficiency but were five below their average 109 in conference play.
MVP. The kenpom.com MVP was Jaren Holmes. The Bona swingman scored 19 points while grabbing 11 boards-both game highs. Holmes logged 40 minutes as did Kyle Lofton who contributed 18 while handing out a game high 6 assists.
Grady. When Kellen Grady graduates Bonnie fans may send him a card at commencement. The Wildcat senior has been nothing but a defensive nightmare for Bona during his career. On Sunday he scored 18 points with a team high 5 assists. Grady tied for team scoring honors with Hyunjung Lee, who also added 18. Outside of those two no one reached double figures for the Wildcats. Keeping everyone else in check was crucial for Bona.
Care for the ball. The two teams combined for 14 turnovers, Davidson 6, Bona 8. Limiting turnovers was especially important for Mark Schmidt. The Bona mentor felt turnovers could lead to transition opportunities for Davidson.
Answering the call. Admired Jalen Shaw’s 11 minutes while Bona’s Osun Osinniyi was in foul trouble. The 6-10 junior scored 5 points, adding three boards while showing aggressiveness inside. Definitely deserves to get more minutes.
Taste of own medicine. Davidson usually is a big problem for Bona from deep. On the afternoon, Bonnies turned the tables, hitting a season high 11 treys. Bona shot 11 of 21 (52%) from downtown. Holmes led the way going 5 of 7. Davidson was 13 of 37 (35%).
Next. The two will meet at Belk Arena at Davidson on Wednesday. Undoubtedly both coaches were reviewing game tape by Sunday evening. Should be interesting to see the adjustments given the two teams just faced each other and are game planning for their next game just three days later. Expect McKillop and Schmidt to change things, not drastically but enough to gain some type of an edge.
“Our guys come to Bonaventure because they want to play in these games. These games are important because they’ve made them important.” – Bona coach Mark Schmidt per gobonnies.com
