BRONX, N.Y. – The opener in Atlantic 10 women’s action saw defending champion Fordham dominant in the second half on the way to a 79-53 decision over St. Bonaventure. The contest at Rose Hill Gym extended Fordham’s win streak to six games. The points of emphasis:
Defense the difference maker. It’s no surprise with a Stephanie Gaitley coached team. The Bonnies were right there trailing 36-30 at the break. The second half, specifically the third period, was a different story, as Fordham held St. Bonaventure to eight points. On the opposite end, the offense clicked as the Rams won the third stanza by a 27-8 margin. For all intents and purposes the game was over.
Second half struggles. Fourth period meltdowns have been a common problem for the Bonnies this season. Difficulty handing in the last ten minutes have cost them a few games. On Saturday, the problems arose a little earlier – right after halftime. “It is a mental thing at this point,” Bonaventure coach Jesse Fleming admitted. “They see an opponent make a run in the latter part of the game and they tend to think ‘here we go again’. It’s up to us a coaching staff to address and rectify that situation.
Versatility. The Rams had a few different looks on offense. An effective and intriguing one is a four-guard set. The guards – Bre Cavanaugh, Kendell Heremaia, Annd DeWolfe and Sarah Karpell – work the perimeter while Kaitlun Downey, at 6’1”, is on the blocks. Sometimes, at least. Downey, a sophomore, is a proficient three-point threat. Gaitley will move her on the perimeter, forcing an opposing big to guard her, thus opening the lanes for guard penetration.
Lesson learned. Back in November, Fordham opened with a tough home loss to Notre Dame. They followed that with a 19-point loss at an improved Columbia team a few days later. Gaitley did not want her club to underestimate the Bonnies, who entered Rose Hill at 3-10. “Our kids might have gotten complacent after the showing against Notre Dame,” Gaitley said. “We told them to be ready for this one. Forget their record as Jesse (coach Fleming) always has his kids prepared.” The Rams took heed to the veteran coach’s words in a big way.
Numbers and final notes:
- Possessions: 66
- Offensive efficiency: Fordham 120, St.Bonaventure 80
- Leading scorers: Fordham was led by Bre Cavanaugh with 29 points and Kendell Heremaia with 16; St.Bonaventure was led by Asianae Johnson with 18 and Dajah Logan with 12
- Fordham won the rebounding battle 34-20 while limiting the Bonnies to just two offensive boards.
- Rams shot a scorching 71 percent (10 of 14) from beyond the arc. Cavanaugh led the way in hitting 5 of 6. She actually shot better from three than the line (4 for 6).
- Bonnies were just 2 of 13 for 15 percent from downtown.
- Even with her perimeter prowess, Cavanaugh found time to get to the basket. She paced the game with six fouls drawn.
- Dawn Karpell, the coach of New Jersey girls power St. John Vianney, took in the action at Rose Hill. Dawn’s daughter Sarah is a starter at the guard spot for Fordham. A day later, Dawn’s Lancers scored a huge win in taking down nationally ranked Riverdale (MD) Baptist.
- Truly a tale of two halves: In the first half the Bonaventure offensive efficiency checked in at 94; in the final twenty minutes they registered a 68. Obviously the Rams bought in regarding Gaitley’s defensive message during halftime.
