Bonnies Pick Up First Conference Win of the Season against the University of Massachusetts

By: Sean Lynch

The St. Bonaventure Bonnies picked up their first win in Atlantic 10 Conference play at the Reilly Center against the University of Massachusetts Minutewomen 69-59.

Bonnies guard Mariah Ruff had a game-high 24 points along with four assists and three steals. Guard Danielle Migliore finished with 19 points, three assists and two steals.

After scoring the first two points of the game, the Bonnies did not look back. Besides being tied 2-2 in the first minutes of the game, the Bonnies never forfeited their lead. Going into the half, the Bonnies led the Minutewomen 32-22.

Ruff continued her dominance in the third quarter. Over the past two games; Ruff scored 31 points in the quarter, with 11 coming against UMass. The Bonnies closed out the third quarter with a 56-34 lead.

Turnovers became an important aspect of the game. The Bonnies won the turnover battle – only turning over the ball 12 times compared to UMass’ 19. The Bonnies capitalized with 26 points off of those turnovers.

With injuries to three of their players, the Bonnies were short staffed. Juniors Mckenna Maycock and Bree Paulson and freshman Abigail Johnson were inactive for the game, leaving seven players on the bench. Head Coach Jesse Fleming played six of those seven players.

St. Bonaventure heads to Dayton, Ohio next to face the Flyers on Jan. 10. The game will be at 7 p.m. in UD Arena.