Fordham made themselves at home at Reilly Center. The Rams came in and scored an 80-74 win over host St. Bonaventure. Saturday’s game saw Fordham improve to 8-8 (2-1) while the Bonnies are now 10-5 (1-2).
Possessions: 71
Offensive efficiency: Fordham 113, St. Bona 104
Four Factors:
| St. Bona | Fordham | |
| eFG Pct. | 45 | 59 |
| FT Rate | 37 | 42 |
| OREB Pct. | 20 | 18 |
| TO Rate | 13 | 13 |
Defense. Keith Urgo’s Rams average a 101 offensive efficiency. Bonnies allow a 102 per game. Obviously, Fordham’s mark, 12 above their average, shows this was a below par defensive showing by Mark Schmidt’s group.
The glaring disparity among the Four Factors was field goal efficiency. Fordham shot 19 of 30 (63%) inside the arc. The Rams, in fact, were seven of nine (78%) at the rim. Bonnies were 18 of 42 (43%) from two point range. Bonnies did enjoy a 32-26 edge in points in the paint. That was largely due to an 18-7 advantage in second chance points. In the final analysis, these two areas were offset by Fordham enjoying an 18-4 difference in fast break points.
Momentum. This is something not etched in stone and can be fleeting. At the half Fordham was ahead 44-39. After intermission, Fordham never lost the lead. The Bonnies had opportunities in those final twenty minutes but were unable to go ahead. If they did, who knows? Getting a lead just might have been a game changer.
Kenpom.com MVP: Charles Pride. Bonnies came up short yet the 6’4” senior gets the nod by virtue of an 18 point 11 rebound double-double. Four of Pride’s boards were on the offensive end.
Notes: Fordham was led by Kyle Rose with 19 points. Japhet Medor added 16 and Elijah Gray 10. Chad Venning scored a game high 22 points for the Bonnies. Beside Pride, Mika Adams-Woods had 11 and Moses Flowers 10.
Fordham shot 51% from the floor while the Bonnies checked in at 40%. Rams shot 9 of 25 (36%) from long range with the Bonnies connecting on 6 of 18 (33%). With three from beyond the arc, Pride had half of the Bonnies’ three pointers.
Each team had nine turnovers, a very good 13% turnover rate.
Rebounding was even at 34 per team with the Bonnies showing a 7-6 advantage on the offensive end.
It was Fordham’s third straight win in the series. That represents the longest streak since the Rams captured seven in a row from 2005 through 2008.
Loss was disappointing but not devastating. Bonnies were home against a Fordham team still finding their way. By virtue of the victory, Fordham has captured both its A10 road games (they defeated George Washington in three overtimes in early January). Their lone loss was a home setback against La Salle.
Next up for the Bonnies is a Wednesday matchup with another group of Rams, Rhode Island. Archie Miller’s club is in the midst of a four game win streak and 3-0 in A10 play. They are coming off an 89-77 home victory over UMass on Saturday.
Rams lead the conference with a 118 offensive efficiency. They are especially dangerous (in A10) from three point range with a 40% mark.
Important game for Schmidt and co. as following the Rhode Island game, the Bonnies visit George Mason and Duquesne.
