By Carson Hayek, Sports Staffer
PITTSBURGH — It appeared the St. Bonaventure University men’s basketball season and Bonnies head coach Mark Schmidt’s tenure would end Thursday afternoon at PPG Paints Arena with 15 minutes left in regulation.
The Bonnies trailed by their largest deficit, 44-33, and owned an 8.3% chance of winning, according to ESPN’s win probability.
In the final 15 minutes of play, the Bonnies outscored George Mason 30-13, while shutting out the Patriots in the final 2:28. Schmidt praised his team for overcoming adversity.
“Things weren’t going well, and our guys didn’t quit,” Schmidt said. “They fought. They made winning plays, and we have struggled in games decided by five or fewer points [in the past]. We had adversity, and we overcame it.”
Bonnies redshirt junior Dasonte Bowen scored 13 of a game-high 20 points in the second half. Bowen credited his season-long work ethic for his second-half scoring.
“Coach always preaches to us that big-time players make plays when it matters,” Bowen said. “When it gets to crunch time, that’s when the guys who put the most work in start to show. I just trusted the [work I put in], and then my teammates put me in the right position [to succeed].”
Bonaventure made 18 of 25 free throws while George Mason went 3 of 6. George Mason head coach Tony Skinn said turnovers and fouling played a major role in the loss.
“We became so discombobulated down the stretch, and we rewarded them,” Skinn said. “They didn’t do anything special. We had 16 turnovers. Frank Mitchell was Frank Mitchell, and we let their guards [free] and gave them free throws. They played harder.”
Bonaventure had lost 10 games by six or fewer points this season. Schmidt said the team’s focus and mental toughness helped secure the win.
“The only way you stop [losing in closing games] is by one day planting your feet and saying I’m not going back any further,” Schmidt said. “Today was that day. I thought we defended well, but I thought we played with much more of a purpose… You learn how to win by winning.”
Bonaventure will face Dayton in the Atlantic 10 Quarterfinals on Friday at 2 p.m. Bowen emphasized the importance of staying level-headed for tomorrow’s game.
“[We have] to be even keel,” Bowen said. “Never too high or never too low. We just stay steady, and we aren’t done yet, so we will get back to the hotel and focus on the next assignment. We will just stay ready and try to get a win tomorrow.”
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