Davidson continues on a roll. George Mason proved you can beat a team three times in one season. The Big Five had a big night as Saint Joseph’s and La Salle both advanced.
Davidson 65 St. Bonaventure 54
Possessions: 62
Offensive efficiency: Davidson 105, St. Bona 87
Leading Scorers: Davidson- Desmond Watson 17, St. Bona- Chad Venning 16
Davidson, with just five turnovers and 16 assists on 24 field goals (67% assist rate), was a mark of offensive efficiency. The Wildcats led by five at intermission, keeping the Bonnies at bay the final twenty minutes. The Bonnies dropped seven of their last eight, finishing 14-18. Davidson (16-15), playing well of late, has won five of their last six and faces top seed VCU in the quarterfinals.
George Mason 62 Richmond 57
Possessions: 65
Offensive efficiency: George Mason 95, Richmond 88
Leading scorers: Richmond- Tyler Burton 23, George Mason- Ronald Potite III, Josh Oduro 16.
Ronald Potite III put the Patriots ahead with a three pointer with under a minute to play. George Mason trailed at the half 25-21. Richmond opened the final stanza strong to increase the lead to eight early in the final stanza. “We got behind it was tough going,” Potite III said. “We just kept together as a team.” The Spiders were limited to 8% (1-12) shooting from beyond the arc. Richmond finished the campaign at 15-18. George Mason (20-12), now on a seven game win streak will face Saint Louis in the quarterfinals.
Saint Joseph’s 87 George Washington 76
Possessions: 69
Offensive efficiency: Saint Joseph’s 126, GW 110
Leading scorers: Saint Joseph’s- Erik Reynolds II 34, GW- James Bishop IV 25.
Midway through the first half Saint Joseph’s was facing a 13 point deficit. By halftime they had a one point lead. The second half they opened it up to earn a quarterfinal date against Dayton. “We go into every game believing we can beat anybody,” Reynolds II said. “No matter what adversity we face, we keep doing what we do.” What Reynolds II did was hit a career-high in scoring while adding six boards. Saint Joseph’s (16-16) has won three straight. George Washington (16-16) dropped their second straight.
La Salle 81 Duquesne 70
Possessions: 69
Offensive efficiency: La Salle 117, Duquesne 101
Leading Scorers: Duquesne- Jimmy Clark 27, La Salle – Jhamir Brickus 23
Explorers advanced to the A10 quarterfinals for the first time since 2015. Behind by six at the half, La Salle (15-18), used a strong second half, fueled by a 23-7 run to avenge a late February 17 point home loss to Duquesne, Brickus was joined by Khalil Brantley (22 points) as the duo provided the firepower. The pair combined for 15 of the 23 points in that decisive run. Defense was a factor as Fran Dunphy’s group limited the Dukes to 40% (14-35) shooting inside the arc. La Salle is set to face third seed Fordham in the quarterfinals. Duquesne is now 20-12 and appears to be a NIT possibility.
