Dec. 17, 2005

Final Stats

ST., BONAVENTURE, N.Y. - Turnovers and poor shooting were the key ingredients in a rough first half that led to a 77-67 loss by the St. Bonaventure women's basketball team against Canisius this afternoon at the Reilly Center.

The Golden Griffin defense forced 13 turnovers and held the Bonnies to 23 percent (6-26) shooting from the field en route to a 32-20 lead at intermission.

The brown and white found itself down early as the Golden Griffins jumped out to an 8-0 lead just 2:15 into the game. A three-pointer by freshman Katelyn Murray put an end to the run and ignited a 7-2 Bona rally that pulled the Bonnies to within three at 10-7.

Canisius responded midway through the first half with a 12-0 run over a six-minute span to takes its largest lead at 27-9 with 6:11 remaining. Freshman Erica Schiefen buried a baseline jumper to cap a 11-5 St. Bonaventure spurt that cut the Griffs' lead to 32-20 at the break.

The Bona offense finally hit stride in the second half connecting on 50 percent (15-30) of its shots and committing just four turnovers. Unfortunately for St. Bonaventure they couldn't overcome the first half deficit and hot shooting by the Griffs.

For the second straight game three-point shooting plagued the Bona defense. Canisius drained 11 of its 17 shots from long range, including 7-9 in the second half. St. Bonaventure held a 38-33 advantage on the glass, including a season-high 15 offensive rebounds.

Four players finished in double figures for the Bonnies. Murray finished with a season-high 14 points, including three trifectas, in her first collegiate start. Sophomore point guard Priscilla Edwards finished with 11 points, five rebounds and a season-high five assists. Schiefen and junior Audrey Latendresse each chipped in with 10 points and seven boards.

The Golden Griffins also placed four players in double-digits, led by Amanda Cavo's 17 points.

With the loss the Bonnies fall to 5-2 on the season, while Canisius improves to 5-3.

St. Bonaventure will hit the road for the first time in three weeks as it travels to Annapolis, Md. to take on Navy. Tip-off is schedule for 5 p.m.