A ranked team in the preseason, Syracuse showed why early on Saturday, scoring 17 of the first 19 points of the day to grab control. Despite foul troubles for leading scorer Courtney Stockard, the Bonnies climbed back. It was 22-8 when they went on a 7-2 run to pull within nine points at 24-15. Jalen Poyser capped the spurt with a three-pointer.
With Stockard on the bench after picking up his third foul, the Bonnies saw Syracuse continue its hot shooting and extend its lead. Marek Dolezaj's three-pointer with 1:00 left until halftime gave the Orange their largest lead at 46-23.
In the first half, the Orange made 57 percent of their shots (15-26) from the field. The Bonnies also were just 6-11 at the free throw line in the opening half while Syracuse went 13-15. In addition, the Orange scored 20 of their points as a result of 14 Bonnies turnovers. Stockard played only five minutes in the first half due to foul trouble. He had two fouls in the first six minutes and was called for his third at the 12:36 mark.
Early in the second half, the Bonnies fell behind by 31 points. They were not able to rally, ending the game with 25 turnovers. Syracuse shot 58 percent from the field on the day.
Freshman point guard Kyle Lofton led St. Bonaventure with 12 points while Poyser had 11. Junior forward Melkisedek Moreaux finished with seven points, the first of his Bonnies career. Osun Osunniyi had four points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots.
Game Notes
- The Bonnies completed non-conference play at 4-9.
- Moreaux saw the most extensive playing time of his season with 20 minutes in only his second game.
- St. Bonaventure out-rebounded the Orange 31-29.
- Stockard failed to reach double figure points for the first time in his seven games this season.
- Osunniyi now has recorded at least two blocks in 10 games this year; he has 34 for the season.
- By Steve Mest, Associate Director of Athletics
