St. Bonaventure 76, Fordham 65: Box score analysis and where does Fordham go from here?

BRONX, NY – On Wednesday night, St. Bonaventure traveled to Rose Hill Gym and earned a 76-65 victory over Fordham. It was a battle of two teams trying to get to the middle of the pack in the Atlantic 10, entering the night just a game apart from each other in the standings.

We start by taking a look at some of the key numbers on the evening, then some notes that expand on them:

• Fordham coach Tom Pecora was displeased over the offensive rebounding disparity and turnovers. On the latter, he said, “The thing that upsets me is they (Bonaventure) did not even pressure us on defense.” Bonaventure used those turnovers to their offensive advantage with a 24-17 edge on points off turnovers.
• Efficiency was above average (106 was their mark coming in) at 112 for the Bonnies. The visitors completed an efficiency ‘sweep’ holding the Rams to 96, under their average of 99.
• Andell Cumberbatch and Matthew Wright led the Bonnies with 18 points each. Branden Frazier and Thomas Mandell scored 20 apiece for Fordham, the high marks of the contest.
• Bonaventure enjoyed a 44-26 advantage on points in the paint. That was largely due to an outstanding 50 percent offensive rebound percentage. Dion Wright, a 6-7 Sophomore, grabbed 6 rebounds on the offensive end for the Bonnies.
• The Bonnies are now 4-6 in conference play while Fordham fell to 2-8.

Decisions. Fordham coach Tom Pecora hinted the Rams may play “big” the remainder of the season. His guard trio of Mandell, Frazier and Jon Severe scored a combined 50 of Fordham’s 65 points. The highly-touted Severe is finding the rigors of A-10 play demanding as the campaign progresses. Severe scored 13 points but was 5 of 14 from the floor.

Ryan Rhoomes, a 6-8 sophomore, has had moments. Not this night, as he managed five points and six boards. Ryan Canty had interesting numbers. The 6-9 junior played 21 minutes and managed nine rebounds and three blocked shots.

Pecora hopes the pair, given more playing time, will increase production, in rebounding and scoring. The Ram mentor is looking to establish a defensive posture inside and a three-guard set, to date, is not getting things done. Trabon Leonard, a 6-8 forward logged a quiet 15 minutes against the Bonnies, yet could possibly benefit from added minutes. The decision may be implemented as soon as the next Fordham outing at Richmond.

The Bonaventure game showed the Rams’ shortcomings in the paint. Pecora is getting production in numbers and perimeter shooting from the backcourt. There is too much given up inside. The Atlantic 10 is not for the weak of heart when you venture into the lane. At this point, going “big” is worth a try.