St. Bonaventure Bonnies Ace First Test In Exhibition Win

The St. Bonaventure Bonnies unofficially started their 2010-11 season last night at Bob Lanier Court in the Reilly Center as they faced off against the Mansfield Mounties, winning by the score 82-65.

The Bonnies also played their exhibition against Mansfield last season, winning by the score 82-74. This year, however, the Bonnies faithful did not need to sweat out the result. The Bonnies manhandled Mansfield, leading to the student section of the Reilly Center chanting the opposition name was really 'Boysfield.'

Andrew Nicholson, the first team All-Conference selection, won the opening tip and scored the games first points only seconds later. After trading baskets with Mansfield for the first few possessions, the Bonnies went on a shooting rampage to take a 32-8 lead with over 10 minutes to play in the half.

Head coach Mark Schmidt had his team play a press-defense which forced Mansfield to turn the ball over on their side of the court for easy buckets. The Bonnies used their athleticism to do whatever they wanted against an over-matched opponent, who finished 19-5 in their conference last season.

Nicholson did his usual routine, scoring 23 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but he was not the story line. Heading into this season there were question marks as to how the Bonnies would replace Chris Matthews and Jonathan Hall after both graduated last season.

St. Bonaventure fans saw their top-recruit Matthew Wright display a sweet stroke and good instincts when the ball was in his hands. Schmidt tabbed him as the first man off the bench, which could be an indicator of the pecking order once the games truly count. In his first impressions for the Bonaventure crowd, Wright played beyond his years showing they will be able to count on him this season.

The other high-profile addition for the Bonnies was freshman Sam de Hass. De Hass played very good on defense, but was hesitant to shoot the ball on offense. There were numerous opportunities for him to shoot the ball, but the hesitation forced him to pass to another teammate. 

Once he did shoot the ball, he was not connecting. Everyone has off-days and in this case it was more likely the case of the nerves because in the fourth quarter he connected for a three when the pressure was off. De Hass will certainly have a pivotal role this season off the bench.

Team captain Ogo Adegboye showed his stats during the summer while playing for Great Britain was no fluke. He took command of the offense and did not hesistate to shoot the ball when he was open. He showed a great stroke and good feel of the offense making it a big improvement over last years incumbent point guard, Malcolm Eleby.

Michael Davenport, one of the most athletic players on the team, showed off his athleticism with his jumping ability causing havoc in the passing lanes. Davenport showed a nice touch from the outside, which was needed to improve his all-around game.

Demetrius Conger showed a good stroke from the outside, but was also a bit too fancy with the ball once the game became a blow-out. His high intensity on defense and offense will be big as a spark plug for the rest of the season.

As for Brett Roseboro, Nicholson's primary back-up, he showed last season may have been a fluke. Roseboro, a natural lefty, made jump hooks with both his right and left hands and even supplied a mid-range jumper. He grabbed rebounds when he was near the basket and caused havoc on defense. The former Marquette three-star recruit will play an important role this season if Nicholson can not solve his penchant for foul trouble.

All in all it was a very impressive debut for the Bonnies. Most people did not know what to reasonably expect out of the team, but what they saw supplied hope that the Bonnies will continue their improvement in the A-10 Conference. 

Their next step occurs in Buffalo when they take on the Canisus Golden Griffs in Koessler Athletic Center in Buffalo. Game time is set for 8:30 p.m. and the Bonnies are out to prove they are as good as they showed last night.