ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Upon entering the Reilly Center for Monday night’s men’s basketball season opener, St. Bonaventure fans likely immediately were on the look out for a game program considering this year’s Bonnies boast 10 newcomers and just one returning rotation player from a year ago.
While learning the new faces, Bonnies fans were treated to a 70-56 victory as the hosts outlasted visiting CSUN in a nearly wire-to-wire triumph.
Nine different Bona’s players cracked into the scoring column, led by double-figure scoring from Chance Moore (18 points, nine rebounds), Lajae Jones (16 points) and Dasonte Bowen (11 points).
The home team led for 35:18 of game time and never trailed after the 15:43 mark of the first half.
The Bonnies pulled away slowly through a stop and start first half that saw both teams working through the kinks of Opening Night and double-digit newcomers on each roster.
St. Bonaventure gained control with a 15-2 run midway through the half to take a 12-point advantage.
Bona’s defense forced 12 CSUN turnovers in the opening period, resulting in 12 points of offense. Melvin Council Jr. was active on both ends of the floor, posting nine points, four rebounds and three steals in the first 20 minutes.
Out of the locker room, though, the Matadors clawed closer as they got within 35-29 just under five minutes into the second half.
St. Bonaventure quickly turned the tables, however, embarking on an 11-2 sprint powered by Moore and Jones to change the momentum just four minutes later.
CSUN made one final bid for a comeback, closing to 63-51 following a three-pointer from Big West All-Preseason selection Keonte Jones.
The Matadors could not get a stop on the next trip down the floor, though, fouling and sending Noel Brown to the line where the grad captain made both for a 14-point lead and 2:45 to go, effectively putting the visitors’ rally on ice.
Jones posted 16 points and nine rebounds to lead the Matadors and was the only CSUN player in double figures.
 “We’re still learning. We don’t have an identity yet. Coaches are still trying to figure out who’s playing, who’s not playing, who plays well with certain groups,” said St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt. That’s something we’re going to work on for the next two or three weeks. There are things we need to work on, but it’s always good to work on things after a win.”
UP NEXT
St. Bonaventure hits the road for the first time this season, traveling to play at rival Canisius Saturday afternoon. Tip time in Buffalo is slated for 4 p.m.
