St. Bonaventure 66, Marist 63: Numbers and analysis

In their first NCAA Tournament, St. Bonaventure is now headed to the Sweet Sixteen. The Bonnies narrowly defeated a strong Marist club 66-63 in the second round at Tallahassee, Florida.

The numbers were as follows:

The BBstate.com site labeled the pace as ‘excruciating'. From the perspective of the two teams it was a pace they have utilized and are comfortable with.

A key factor for St. Bonaventure was the play of senior guard Jessica Jenkins. Scoring just 5 points in the opener over Florida Gulf Coast, Jenkins had to respond with a better outing for the Bonnies to advance. On the first possession of the game Jenkins had a perimeter shot blocked by Marist's defensive specialist Kelsey Baynnon. Not a good sign to start the game. Jenkins found her groove however, doing what seniors are asked to do in these situations. That is, respond. She finished with a game high 22 points, shooting6 of 12 beyond the arc as the Bonnies went 7 of 15 (47%) from long distance. It was exactly the performance Bonnie coach Jim Crowley needed from his outstanding perimeter threat.

Surprising numbers: the Bonnies enjoyed a somewhat surprising and solid edge in offensive rebounding percentage numbers. For the game, St. Bonaventure owned a 37-21 rebounding advantage. That was definitely needed as the Bonnies were forced into a very high turnover rate, 22%. Marist, on their end, took excellent care of the ball with a 13% rate.

Big difference in eFG mark was the Bonnies' ability to hit from three while Marist was just 7 of 21 (33%).

Individually, Brandy Gang had a strong outing for the Red Foxes. Gang grabbed just 3 boards but led the way with 19 points. The 6-2 senior showed her versatility by stepping out to hit 3 of 5 from three point range. Corielle Yarde added 13 points. Baynnon had an impressive all around 12 point, team leading 6 rebound and two block effort.

For the Bonnies Megan Van Totenhove had 6 rebounds but was limited to 6 points. Doris Ortega came through with another strong outing as the sophomore forward enjoyed a 13 point, 10 rebound effort.

Marist coach Brian Giorgis was hoping to avenge a December 18thloss at St. Bonaventure and advance to the Sweet 16. They fell just short ending their season at 26-8. St. Bonaventure is 31-3 and headed to Raleigh to face Notre Dame.