Photo: Frankie Debari
BY: ANDREW HALE, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
The St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team begins its 2024-2025 regular season Monday night, hosting California State University, Northridge in the Reilly Center.
The Bonnies are coming off a 63-39 victory against Alfred in an exhibition game last Wednesday. The Matadors will be playing in their first game since falling to Hawai’i in the second round of the Big West Championship in March.
With Bonaventure’s roster consisting of 11 guards and four forwards/centers, head coach Mark Schmidt said the best players will get action in the opener regardless of position.
“On Monday, the best guys are going to play,” Schmidt said. “If it’s five guys or it’s 10 guys, the best guys are going to play. We have a number of guys, and they’re very close in abilities. Everybody’s going to have their chance.”
Bonaventure’s 15-man roster consists of five returners and 10 newcomers.
Senior guard and Wagner transfer Melvin Council Jr. scored a team-high 10 points and had a game-high five steals in the exhibition against Alfred.
CSUN’s roster features 15 newcomers and three returners, one of which being senior forward Keonte Jones.
Last season, Jones led the Matadors in rebounds and finished third on the team in scoring. Jones also led the Big West in blocks per game earning him Preseason All-Big West honors.
Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, and radio listeners can tune into the game via the Bonnies Online Network.
halea22@bonaventure.edu
