The Bonnies matched up with the number 15 ranked UConn Huskies for a Saturday showdown in New Jersey in the “Never Forget Tribute Classic”. The game took place at the home of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils in the Prudential Center with a tip-off of 4 o’clock. UConn came in off of a tough loss to West Virginia on Wednesday, but the injuries to guard Tyrese Martin and forward Adama Sonogo are something that cannot be ignored. They got around those injures, winning the game by a final score of 71-64.
Kyle Lofton missed his third straight game for the Bonnies, as Jaren Holmes once again got the start at point guard. Quadry Adams again filled the void in the starting lineup.
Defensive Battle
Things went south quickly for the Bonnies, as star big man Osun Osunniyi recorded two fouls in the first three minutes of action. This forced Abdul Karim Coulibaly into action much earlier than anticipated.
Defenses were on full display for both teams early, as there were multiple steals by each team and good defense that forced a lot of missed shots. Defense has been a huge question mark for the Bonnies so far this season, but something they made sure they addressed early in this game.
Osunniyi was finally able to check back into the ball game with around four minutes remaining in the first half. The Bonnies managed to only be outscored by one point in his absence making for a successful stint without the defensive wizard the the floor. Halftime came, and the Bonnies saw themselves trailing 29-28.
Second Half Surge
The second half provided more of the same type of game: a tight back and forth battle with some iffy shooting. But, a 13-0 UConn run around the 12 minute mark put the Bonnies behind 10, and it was a struggle to ever recover. They got back within five with about two minutes left, but ultimately were not able to to keep pace with the Huskies in the second half.
The loss sends the Bonnies to 8-2, but even with the loss, the way they were able to compete without Lofton again is reason for optimism. They excitedly await his return in the coming weeks, but the way they’ve been able to caryy themselves without him has been impressive.
UConn Huskies
It was guard R.J. Cole who led the Huskies in scoring with 15 points despite a horrific night from three, shooting 1-for-7. Forward Akok Akok impressed for the Huskies as well, sinking five of his six attempts for 12 points and drilling his only two attempts from deep. Andre Jackson led them in rebounding with 11.
St. Bonaventure Bonnies
For the Bonnies, it was Jaren Holmes leading the way with 19 points, adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Dom Welch also had success scoring, finishing with 15 points, adding 7 rebounds. Jalen Adaway finished with 14 points, and added another strong effort on the glass, finishing with 10 rebounds.
The Bonnies will play again next against the Virgina Tech Hokies, as the two teams meet in Charloette, NC as part of the NCAA’s Hall of Fame Shootout. The game is set for Friday, December 17th at 4:00 PM EST.
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