Post Game: Bonnies 60 Buffalo 58
By: Cody Didas, Bonablog ContributorThe Result: The Bonnies made what could have been a resounding road win a nail-biter down the stretch, as Marcus Posley hit another clutch shot to save the Brown and White in a 60-58 win on Tuesday. Buffalo lost at home for just the forth time in their last 30 home contests.
Posley nailed a jumper just past the free throw line with seven seconds left to escape Alumni Arena with the W and gave the Bonnies their forth win of the season. This is Posley’s third game-winning shot with under 10 seconds on the clock in his two seasons with the team. Last year, he was able to knock down buzzer-beating lay-ups in the same week on the road against Davidson and in a wild-one at home versus VCU. Prior to his jumper, SBU had been held scoreless for the games’ final six minutes allowing Buffalo back in the game on the heels of free throws and lay-ups.
In an ugly game from both sides, the Bonnies were lucky to escape with the victory. Both teams scored well below their averages for the season, had large turnover numbers (37 in total), and fouls slowed the pace of the game from the onset. At times it was a case of who wanted to take the game from the other. Neither team did much to separate themselves from the other.
The foul trouble truly forced the Bonnies’ hand late in the first half (a theme this season), providing LaDarien Griffin with five minutes and his career high of four points. He would also wind up in foul trouble. There was some thought among the Bona faithful about a Caleb McGuire sighting…the situation was that dire. The foul trouble with such a short bench has become a recurring problem for this team and is something that needs to be dealt with throughout the season (getting Jordan Tyson back would certainly help). It is leading to lineups that Schmidt really does not want to be throwing out on the floor; but really has not choice. Denzel Gregg fouled out of the game with 5:50 remaining in the game after playing just ten minutes. In all, SBU committed 22 fouls and five players had at least three fouls. They’ve got to play better team defense. SBU had to play a passive zone at times because of the fouls and that led to many easy UB baskets.
The Difference (Team): The difference in this game for me was Bonas’ ability to frustrate the Bulls on the defensive end and this led to numerous turnovers. They forced 21 (although gave up 16 of their own) and many seemed to be of the hustle variety. Kaputo and Woods were able to pick up charges and many of the traveling violations called on the Bulls were from fighting through screens.
Another difference maker the other way for the Brown and White tonight was the once again cold 3-point shooting. 2-21, let that number sink in…I can actually remember the 2 that did go down. That is a box score number that the Bonnies will want to forget, or possibly have hammered into their heads the next few days of practice. Shooting 9.5% from deep is a tough way to win road games but SBU found a way tonight largely aided by Buffalo’s poor play. SBU three main guards were a combined 9-30 from the field; that won’t cut it most night. Tonight was an exception. Take the win and run. Hopefully Saturday is a different story with the same result.
The Difference (Player): Mr. Dion Wright. How silly does it look right now that Wright was not picked for even the 3rd All-League team in the A10? He usually goes about his business rather quietly, always being a productive player on both ends of the floor, and lacks recognition from those that fail to pay attention. At times the semi-hook shots through the lane that Wright kept heaving (and making) were the only real offense that the Bonnies could get going. I personally thought he was going to get the final shot of the night with how productive he had been on the offensive end but Buffalo denied him the ball and Posley came through. A 12-19 night from the floor for a career high 26 kept the Bonnies afloat. Wright has been mister consistent for SBU over the last two years and tonight was no different.
The Stats:
What’s Next: The Bonnies come home to the Reilly Center to take on the Ohio Bobcats (4-2) at 4 p.m. on Saturday afternoon. The game is a part of a doubleheader as the women take on Georgetown earlier on in the day. It can be seen locally on Time Warner Cable Sports Channel. The Bearcats’ only losses came via Tulsa and Florida State. They are another high-flying team currently averaging 84.5 ppg good for 37th in the nation.
