Fordham Head Coach Jeff Neubauer (Image Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports0
Last weekend it looked like Fordham was on the right track. Beating Rhode Island in an overtime thriller was huge. Although they lost to Richmond, they showed signs of a team that’s competent and competitive. But losing to St. Bonaventure, 74-53, this past Saturday at Rose Hill Gym, brought them back to the team who lost nine straight games last month.
Fordham started the game on a 10-2 run, but once St. Bonaventure came back and regained control it was over. Nick Honor played so well in the previous two games, but he was a no show against St. Bonaventure. He went 2-12 from the field, which is his third worst shooting game, and attempted only one three. The defense was a non-factor the entire game. St. Bonaventure guard Jalen Poyser put up 20 points from the bench and was their leading scorer. “They probably missed some shots that maybe their used to completing, but then once they figured out our defense they did a much better job and when you bring Poyser off the bench he gives you that lift,” said Fordham head coach Jeff Neubauer.
For Fordham to give up points to St. Bonaventure’s starting players is one thing, but to give up that many points to a bench player who’s had seven DNP’s is not a good look. Especially for a team that’s trying to prove they are not the bottom dwellers of the Atlantic 10.
Where to go from here? The best thing Fordham can do is win favorable match-ups against teams like Saint Joseph’s and George Washington. Winning those games, according to ESPN’s matchup predictor, will get them a higher seed in the Atlantic 10 tournament and help the Rams avoid playing the top-seeded teams.
They can also lean on a player like Chuba Ohams who’s become their most consistent rebounder. Coach Neubauer said he’s playing Ohams exclusively at the four spot to give Fordham the interior rebounding and scoring they need. At times when the team’s energy is low Ohams is usually the one to keep up the intensity. That’s exactly what this team needs heading into tournament play.
