Photo: St. Bonaventure Athletics
BY WILL POLADIAN, MANAGING EDITOR
Home.
That’s the place the Bonnies return to Saturday after losing to Niagara University, 71-55, Wednesday night.
That’s also the place head coach Jim Crowley began his coaching career at the Division I level 23 years ago. Now, after a seven-year hiatus at Providence College, Crowley returns to the Reilly Center court.
The front half of Bonaventure’s basketball doubleheader has Crowley’s squad matching up with Robert Morris.
“Our expectations for them are that we play hard, we play together, and we get better,” said Crowley.
The Colonials come in 1-0 on the season after a 61-50 victory over St. Francis (PA) on Monday.
Robert Morris was picked dead last in the Horizon League Preseason Poll while Bonaventure was picked second-to-last in the Atlantic 10’s Preseason Poll.
“If your folks don’t want to be coached, or don’t buy in, it doesn’t really matter,” said Crowley. “I’m really fortunate right now that we have people that are listening and buying in and incorporating what we’re asking and getting better.”
The Colonials are led by junior guards Alejandra Mastral and Simone Morris, who both racked up 13 points in their victory over St. Francis.
Before losing both players to injury Wednesday night, the Bonnies were led by guards Nadechka Laccen and Tianna Johnson. Laccen had 10 points and nine rebounds and Johnson had eight points and four rebounds before exiting the game.
“We were down two point guards against a team that pressures quite a bit,” said Crowley. “We had to play a very unique lineup against a team that’s very good at what they do. I’m certainly proud of our effort. We lost some discipline defensively and again, credit to Niagara, they were home on a big night. They’re an experienced team and they sensed the opportunity.”
The team rallied and didn’t quit, according to Crowley.
“We got a close-knit group, so when that stuff happened it’s difficult, but you got to go on, move on,” said Crowley. “Our kids got back into it. We finished a lot more like we want to, so we’ll regroup and get ready for Saturday.”
Playing against teams like Niagara helps prepare for conference play, according to Crowley.
“We’ve got to look at the local teams,” said Crowley. “Starting with Niagara, our opportunity to compete with them is something that fits with where we want to end up. We’re going to play a lot of teams that could be similar to what we’re going to see in the A-10. Ultimately, that’s what we want to prepare for.”
Saturday’s game against Robert Morris will be the fourth meeting all-time between the teams. Bonaventure holds a 2-1 advantage over the Colonials.
“We have a lot of folks that can do a lot of different things, and if they’re all clicking, we’re going to have a good night,” said Crowley. “But I think we also have enough to pick each other up if somebody’s having an off night.”
Last season, the Colonials beat Bonaventure in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, 63-39. But Crowley said this season looks to be different.
“They’re willing to work, they’re willing to listen, and they’re willing to play together,” said Crowley. “If they stay with that, the scoreboard will do its thing. We’ll be moving in a very good direction if they stay with that.”
Bonaventure squares off with the Colonials at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The game will air on ESPN+.
“I think just keeping the [same] way we play and how hard we’re working and making sure that everyone sticks to the same page,” said guard Dani Haskell. “You feel the excitement on the team. “You feel like everybody’s ready.”
poladiwj20@bonaventure.edu
