We heard it in that iconic movie “there’s no place like home.” Last night in the A10 that proved to be the case as the host five captured every game on the slate. One week into the season there are only two undefeated teams, Dayton (3-0) and St. Bonaventure (2-0). As the season progresses the only certainty in this conference will be uncertainty.
Rhode Island 82 Fordham 79
In a battle of Rams, host URI pulled out a contest where they never trailed and led by 18 in the first half. Archie Miller’s Rams held a 115-111 advantage in offensive efficiency. Fordham was the beneficiary of a 33 point effort by Darius Quisenberry who was instrumental in a strong second half by the visitors. The senior guard bounced back after being held to two points in last week’s loss to Davidson. Malik Martin led the way with 23 points, including five three pointers.
St. Bonaventure 73 George Mason 69
Bonnies made it two in a row defeating the Patriots at the Reilly Center. Once again Daryl Banks led the way for Bona with a game high 27 points (6 of 11 from three). Banks drained a key trey in the final minute. Kyrell Luc added a double-double for Bona with 10 points and 10 assists. Victor Bailey paced George Mason with 21 points. Bonnies held a ten point lead with just under ten minutes remaining before George Mason stormed back to make it a one possession game in the last two minutes.
Duquesne 79 VCU 70
Jimmy Clark III haunted his former team. Clark III began his career at VCU before transferring to Northwest Florida JC then Duquesne. The 6’3” junior scored a career high 26 points as the Dukes improved to 2-0 in A10 play. Duquesne jumped out to an early 20-6 lead in this one and never trailed. VCU fell to 1-1 in conference play and the normally defensive minded Rams (95 DE on the season) allowed Duquesne to ring up a 113 offensive efficiency.
UMass 90 Saint Louis 81
In the early going there were five ties and eight lead changes over the first nine minutes. UMass then went on a run to take a 40-29 lead into intermission. Frank Martin’s Minutemen posted a 117 OE committing only 9 turnovers for an excellent 12% TO rate. Noah Fernandes paced UMass with a game high 26 points, 7 assists and only one turnover. Saint Louis had four double figure scorers with Yuri Collins leading the way. The Billikens’ stellar lead guard had a 16 points, 10 assists double-double.
Davidson 80 Loyola 57
Host Wildcats shot 68% in the second half, breaking open a game that was a one possession affair at intermission. Foster Loyler scored 21 points and played a key role in extending a Davidson lead that was three at the half. Davidson’s Sam Mennenga paced all scorers with 22 points. Bryce Golden led Loyola, in search of their first A10 victory, with 13 points. Wildcats held a decided 116-83 edge in offensive efficiency.
Richmond 73 George Washington 63
Tyler Burton led the way for Richmond with 26 points. Story however was a defense. GW led 39-37 at the break. In the final twenty minutes Richmond held the visiting Colonials to 24 points on 31% shooting from the field. On the night Chris Mooney’s club held GW under 100 in the offensive efficiency department. GW’s OE was 95 while Ruchmond posted an excellent 111. James Bishop led the Colonials with 25 points but was 1 of 7 beyond the arc.
Dayton 76 Saint Joseph’s 56
Flyers improved to 3-0 behind DaRon Holmes’ seventh double-double of the season. Holmes finished with a game high 20 points and 12 rebounds. Homes had support as three other Flyers-RJ Blakney (19), Toumani Camara (14) and Mustapha Amzil (11) hit for double figures. Cameron Brown led Saint Joseph’s with 13. Bright spot for the Hawks was a low turnover 7 for a 12% TO rate night. Dayton offense rang up an outstanding 125 efficiency while Saint Joseph’s was limited to 92.
Kenpom.com notes: Home teams own a .650 winning percentage (12-4).
All-Kenpom A10 team (to date)
DaRon Holmes, Dayton
Tyler Burton, Richmond
Yuri Collins, Saint Louis
Toumani Camara, Dayton
Foster Loyer, Davidson
