(Katie Healy and Gabby Richmond Photo Credit: GoBonnies.com)
By Katie Faulkner @kfaulkner20
In the words of Katie Healy, “We told ourselves at the beginning of the year we’re not losing anything in a row, nothing back-to-back.”
The senior was right, as the Bonnies rallied from 17 points down to send the game into overtime and eventually secure the victory over George Washington, 69-67. The Bonnies improved to 21-5 overall and 10-3 in Atlantic 10 play. George Washington dropped to 21-5 on the season.
Despite shooting an uncharacteristic 21.4 percent (3-of-14) from long range, the Bonnies tallied 42 points in the paint with help from Healy. She registered 24 points and went 8-for-9 from the line. Sophomore Mariah Ruff filled the stat sheet with 18 points, six rebounds and three assists and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the stripe.
George Washington opened the second quarter with back-to-back three-pointers to extend the lead to 24-12. The Colonials would take a 37-22 advantage heading into halftime. However, the Bonnies began to chip away in the third quarter and went on a 7-0 run to pull within single digits. GW extended the lead back to 13, but scrappy play from the Bonnies would pull them back within seven at 51-44.
“We’ve relied on our defense all year and it came through for us in the second half and in overtime,” said coach Jim Crowley.
The Colonials came out hot in the first half and shot 75 percent (6-for-8) from long range. However, SBU would show why it is ranked first in the A-10 in scoring defense by limiting George Washington to 40 percent (28-of-70) shooting overall. The Bonnies forced 20 GW turnovers and registered 10 blocks.
Senior Nyla Rueter scored seven of her nine points in overtime play, while also grabbing six rebounds on the night. She recorded four blocks, including the rejection of a corner jump shot.
“I just told [Rueter] after the game I thought she was able to put the first 40 minutes away of how she was playing offensively and play great in overtime,” said GW coach Jonathan Tsipis. “It’s been fun watching her development.”
Four George Washington players recorded double-figure scoring on the night. Hannah Schaible scored a team-high 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting. She went 3-for-3 from beyond the arc and pulled down eight rebounds. Lauren Chase notched 14 points and handed out six assists for her squad.
“As much as us not making shots in the second half, I think you have to tip your hat to [SBU] and that they were really good offensively,” said Tsipis.
St. Bonaventure returns to action on Saturday as they head to Philadelphia to take on La Salle at 1 p.m.
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