The St. Bonaventure Bonnies extended their winning streak to five games with a thrilling 85-77 comeback victory over the Colgate Raiders on Wednesday night. The Bonnies, who improved to 10-1, trailed by 14 points early in the second half but mounted a 13-4 run to regain the lead and eventually win the game. The victory showcased the team’s resilience and character, as they overcame adversity to secure the win.
Senior forward Frank Mitchell was named the Kenpom.com Player of the Game, posting a double-double with 19 points and 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards. Fellow senior Cayden Charles also had a double-double, scoring a season-high 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Junior Dasonte Bowen added a season-high 15 points and a career-best nine assists, while Buddy Simmons scored 17 points.
The Bonnies’ victory was a testament to the team’s veteran leadership, as their experienced players stepped up to lead the comeback. “You find out a lot about a player, a person, and a team, when adversity hits,” said coach Mark Schmidt. “If you’re a competitor, you get up and fight. I thought we gathered ourselves, we came back in the second half and played much better.”
The Raiders, who fell to 6-5, were led by Jalen Cox’s 26 points and Andrew Alekseyenko’s 25 points. Colgate struggled at the free-throw line, shooting just 52.6%, which was uncharacteristic of their usual 74% mark.
The Bonnies will look to continue their winning streak on Saturday when they face Ohio University in the Cleveland Hoops Showdown. The Bobcats, who are 3-6, rely heavily on scoring in the paint, with only 26% of their points coming from beyond the arc. The game will be a test of the Bonnies’ mettle, as they face a team that is looking to build on their current two-game winning streak. With their strong veteran leadership and resilient mindset, the Bonnies are well-equipped to take on the challenge and extend their winning streak.