George Washington (6-7) vs St Bonaventure (8-5) When: Sunday, January 5th at 4 p.m.
Where: Charles E.Smith Center in Washington D.C.
TV: ESPN+ / Radio: TuneIn , Bonnies Basketball Radio Network
George Washington - 67.2 - points per game 69.1 - points against 41.6 - Field goal %
St Bonaventure - 68.5 - points per game 63.8 - points against
42.8 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Kyle Lofton: is having a strong season leading the Bonnies. The 6'3 sophomore is averaging a team high 14.2 points, an A-10 leading 6.6 assist and 2.8 rebounds a game. While Lofton numbers are good across the board, his efficiency shooting the ball from the field can be better. For the season, he's shooting 38 percent from the field and 24 percent from deep, although, his relentless brand of basketball has him at the line a lot, where he shoots an impressive 90 percent. All season, Lofton has been a one man wrecking crew for opposing teams scoring and making plays for others. George Washington will have to take one thing away. Make him or scorer or make him a facilitator. With his lack of efficiency shooting the ball, it may be wise to make him a shooter and keep him out of the paint. Clearly, easier said than done, but for the Colonials to be in a position to win, it must be done. Expect to see Armel Potter, Maceo Jack and Jameer Nelson Jr all get an opportunity to slow down Lofton.
Osun Osunniyi: 6'10 sophomore is an athletic, high motor forward who does the dirty work inside for St Bonaventure. Osunniyi, who is one of the top defensive players in the A-10, averages 9.9 points, 8.6 rebounds and a team high 2.8 blocks per game. During the Colonials loss to the Bonnies last March, Osunniyi posted a career high 18 points and pulled down 16 rebounds in 40 minutes to lead St Bonaventure to a 64-58 win. Of course, that was with George Washington senior Arnaldo Toro sideline for the season. With him back in action it will be a battle inside all game long between the two bigs. If Toro is able to outplay Osunniyi inside, things favor GW greatly for a potential conference win.
