BY TOM SEIPP, MANAGING EDITOR.
An Emily Calabrese mid-range jumper just over two minutes into the second half would give St. Bonaventure a 12-point advantage against St. John’s. It was the Bonnies largest lead of the season.
The energy was positive. The entire St. Bonaventure bench was standing, cheering loudly for their teammates in an empty Carnesecca Arena as they were outplaying their Big East opponent.
As time went on, the St. John’s bench appeared to get louder and louder, as head coach John Tartamella changed his defensive scheme, moving from man-to-man, to a 2-3 zone and finally a ¾ court press.
Once the press was put on, the Red Storm proceeded to go on a 15-2 run, which was a part of a 25-7 run from the moment St. Bonaventure went up 12.
As time winded down, Tartamella’s team was able to hold on, as they came away with the 60-57 victory on their home court Tuesday.
It seemed like more of the same from Jesse Fleming’s squad. The Bonnies stayed strong early, but fell apart in the second half.
Fleming used his bench often, as he went nine players deep just eight minutes into the game. Only two players played over 30 minutes.
But, it seemed like Fleming struggled to find the correct group of five. As one group seemed to be progressing offensively, the defense would quickly falter. It appeared difficult to keep the same five players on the floor for an extended period of time.
St. Bonaventure looked improved offensively at times, including when the Bonnies knocked down three shots from beyond the arc in the first half. Those three shots tripled the amount of threes the Bonnies made in the previous contest between the two a year ago.
But, St. Bonaventure would go back to their original ways, only shooting 1-for-6 from three in the second half.
Rhythm lacked on the legendary Lou Carnesecca Court for the Bonnies. It never appeared the team could remain consistent, even when they had their offensive spurts.
Opposing school courts must continue to haunt Fleming’s staff, as this loss at St. John’s is their 21st consecutive loss at different schools.
During his time at St. Bonaventure, Fleming is 7-54 at opposing schools.
The Bonnies did have positives today, including Asianae Johnson, who finished with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists.
The brightest spot on the floor for Coach Fleming is how his newcomer, Tori Harris, has benefited his team.
Harris, who finished with 10 points, seven rebounds and three steals today, has shown the capability to lead the Bonnies to success. With her on the floor, St. Bonaventure has an easier time spacing the floor and creating more opportunities to score. With her on the court in the first half, St. Bonaventure was +5.
The Bonnies still have strides they need to make as they enter conference play. If they can become more in-sync offensively, the Bonnies will be competitive in the Atlantic 10.
For now, the Bonnies will have to sit with this result in their stomach into the holiday season, as the team doesn’t return to action until January 1 at Dayton to open up Atlantic-10 play.
Coaches and players were not available for comment postgame.
