St. Bonaventure Dominates Niagara in Thrilling Big 4 Basketball Showdown

OLEAN, N.Y. – Three Purple Eagles achieved double-digit points, spearheaded by Olumide Adelodun’s game-high 19 points, however, Niagara faced difficulties shooting from the field, resulting in a 71-52 defeat to St. Bonaventure on Saturday at the Reilly Center.
 
How it Unfolded
The Purple Eagles (5-7) managed just 34 percent shooting overall and converted only 8-of-28 attempts from beyond the arc against the Bonnies (12-1). Zion Russell contributed 11 points and Jaeden Marshall added 10 for Niagara, which never took the lead throughout the game.
 
St. Bonaventure, led by Chance Moore’s 16 points alongside three other Bonnies in double figures, established an early lead, building a 33-20 halftime advantage due to solid perimeter shooting. The Bonnies’ margin expanded to as much as 25 points during the second half.
 
Niagara’s offense displayed some improvements after halftime, accumulating 32 points in the second half with nearly 45.0 percent shooting from the field, but could not bridge the gap created in the first half. 
 
Niagara Insights
• Niagara’s all-time record against St. Bonaventure shifts to 71-89.
• The Purple Eagles concluded 10-for-11 at the free-throw line and are 16-for-18 over the past two contests.
• Niagara’s shooting percentage of 34.0 from the field is its second-lowest this season.
• Adelodun topped NU in both scoring and rebounding for the fourth and sixth time this season, respectively. The senior converted five of Niagara’s eight 3-point attempts. 
• Russell recorded his fourth game scoring in double figures during the defeat.
 
Up Next
Niagara will wrap up non-conference play on Sunday, Dec. 29 at home against Le Moyne. The opening tip from the Gallagher Center is scheduled for 2 p.m.