Bonnies hold off Fordham for second conference win

By: Justin Myers 

ROCHESTER, N.Y.— Rochester has become a second home for St. Bonaventure.

On Saturday at the Blue Cross Arena the Bonnies not only won their second straight conference game 71-64.  They also won their sixth consecutive game at the Blue Cross Arena.

The Bonnies 6-10 (2-1) dominated the first half, limiting the Rams 9-7 (0-3) to 15 points and a 16-point halftime lead, 31-15.

Early in the second half the Bonnies extended their lead to 21 points, but Fordham would not go down without a fight. The Rams went on a 17-2 lead by guard Nick Honor who lead all scorers with 23 points. This run cut the Bonnies lead 56-52 with 3:00 remaining.

Kyle Lofton and LaDarien Griffin hit two free throws each that led to a defensive stop. Griffin’s second shot added to Bonaventure’s 60-52 lead with 2:20 remaining.

Fordham pulled to within five points with 30 seconds left in game on two Jalen Cobb free throws, but Griffin again sank a pair of free throws to keep the Bonnies ahead. The Rams made two three-pointers in the last 11 seconds, but Osun Osunniyi capped off the win with a dunk the ball in the final seconds.

The Bonnies had four players in double figures. Osunniyi finished the game with a double-double 16 points and 12 rebounds. This is the 6-10 center’s third double-double of the season.

“He plays the game the right way, he plays it unselfishly,” said coach Mark Schmidt. “He had 16 and 12, but he’s more from a defensive standpoint, blocking shots and just being a presence inside, which is critical for our defense. When he’s out on the floor, we’re that much better,” Schmidt said.

The other three Bonnies in double figures were Courtney Stockard and Griffin who both scored 17 points while Kyle Lofton added 12.

St. Bonaventure will travel to the Ryan Center to face the Rhode Island Rams next Wednesday, Jan. 16.