Survive and advance’ was used to chronicle the first round win over La Salle. Now, another Jim valvano reference is appropriate, ‘don’t ever give up’.
That certainly was the St. Bonaventure theme in the 75-74 double overtime win over Loyola Chicago. The Atlantic Ten quarterfinal at Barclays Center saw the Bonnies improve to (20-12, 9-9) while second seeded Loyola Chicago fell to 23-9 (15-3).
Possessions: 78
Offensive efficiency: St. Bona 96, Loyola Chicago 95
| St. Bona | Loyola | |
| eFG Pct. | 40 | 37 |
| FT Rate | 52 | 36 |
| OREB Pct. | 33 | 43 |
| TO Rate | 22 | 15 |
| 2pt FG% | 43 | 37 |
| 3pt FG% | 22 | 26 |
| FT% | 87 | 67 |
| 3pt FGA/FGA | 30 | 31 |
Ball Control Index:
Loyola Chicago 2.17
St. Bona 1.00
Recap. A Bona cold spell starting the game allowed the Ramblers to jump out to a 15 point lead with roughly six minutes left in the first half. A late 9-0 run allowed the Bonnies to get the deficit under double figures, 31-22, at intermission.
The second half the Bonnies were within two possessions before Loyola Chicago answered, extending the lead to 11 with just under six minutes to play on two Philip Alston free throws. It was Loyola Chicago’s final points in regulation as the Bonnie defense locked the Ramblers down.
In overtime the Bonnies got out to a four point lead. An Alston dunk off his own missed free throw necessitated another five minute session.
Bonnies opened another four point lead before Loyola Chicago answered with six straight. Daryl Banks III then drew a foul on a three point attempt with 12 seconds left. He drained all three attempts, putting the Bonnies ahead by one. On the final possession a desperation three point attempt by Des Watson was off the mark.
The Bonnies held on and moved on.
Key points:
Rebounding was once again a Bona weakness. Loyola Chicago pounded the offensive glass with a 23-13 edge. That allowed a number of extended possession opportunities as the Ramblers were not as proficient shooting from the floor.
Bonnies took advantage of the charity stripe chances, (27 of 31), especially in the overtime sessions when they shot a perfect nine of nine.
Bona mentor Mark Schmidt emphasized in the pregame that it was vital for Banks to play well in order for the Bonnies to win. Banks came through with 22 points including the game winning free throws. In the two overtime sessions the Bonnies scored a total of three field goals, all by Banks. The performance brought up thoughts from two years ago when Banks helped lead…
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