by Matthew Kwitowski, Sports Staffer
The St. Bonaventure University men’s basketball team fumbles a late lead, dropping their first conference game of the season on the road against Virginia Commonwealth University, 89-82.
Bonaventure started the game on a 9-2 run, but the rams quickly responded by going on a 9-0 run, taking their first lead of the game.
With 10 minutes to go in the half, the Bonnies led by five, but sophomore guard Terrence Hill Jr. scored 8 points, helping VCU regain the lead.
The Rams created some separation, grabbing a nine-point lead, the largest of the game. However, in the final minutes of the half, Bonaventure cut the deficit to one, going on a 10-2 run.
At halftime, the score was 46-45, in favor of VCU. Bonnie’s senior forward Frank Mitchell finished the half with 13 points, while junior forward Lazar Djokovic led all scorers with 15 points.
The start to the second half remained tight, but a three-point shot from junior guard Darryl “Buddy” Simmons II gave Bonaventure the lead back momentarily with 12 minutes to go.
Mitchell and senior guard Cayden Charles helped the Bonnies extend their lead to six with six minutes to go, before the Rams went on an 8-0 run, taking back the lead. After that, the Ram’s tempo control and physical play put Bonaventure away.
With the loss, Bonaventure falls to 11-3 and 0-1 in conference play. VCU improves to 10-4 and 1-0 in the conference.
Mitchell and Simmons both reached 20 points, with Mitchell leading all scorers with 24.
Both teams will continue conference play, with the Rams traveling to Pittsburgh, to take on Duquesne University on Saturday. The Bonnies will return home to face Richmond University next Wednesday. The Bonaventuregame can be streamed on ESPN+, with radio broadcasts available on the Bonnies Online Network, 100.1 FM Bradford & Olean, and 1340 AM Jamestown.
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