CLEVELAND – In an exciting matchup, the St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team will take on Ohio in the Cleveland Hoops Showdown on Saturday, December 13, at Rocket Arena. The game is set to begin at 5 p.m. ET and will be available for streaming on passthaballlive.com, requiring a paid subscription. Fans can also catch the action for free on the Bonnies Online Network or through local radio stations: 100.1 FM, 1340 AM, and 92.1 or 106.9 FM.
Key Players to Watch
The Bonnies’ Frank Mitchell has emerged as a standout player this season. In their recent game against Colgate on December 10, he posted an impressive 19 points and a remarkable 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards. This performance made him the first St. Bonaventure player to achieve at least 18 points and rebounds in a game since Andrew Nicholson in 2012.
Mitchell’s double-double against Colgate marks his fifth consecutive, a feat not seen since Nicholson’s performance in 2010. Currently, Mitchell holds an average of 14.0 points and 13.0 rebounds per game, making him one of the top players in the NCAA. He ranks second nationally with seven double-doubles as of December 8.
Rebounding Statistics
Mitchell leads the Atlantic 10 in rebounds per game with an average of 11.3, placing him fifth nationally. His current rebounding pace could see him reach 350 rebounds this season, aiming for the fifth-most in St. Bonaventure history. The Bonnies have a strong record of 8-0 when Mitchell grabs 10 or more rebounds.
Outstanding Performance of Dasonte Bowen
Point guard Dasonte Bowen has also been crucial for St. Bonaventure. Known for his clutch free-throw shooting, Bowen is perfect in the last two minutes of games this season, hitting all 10 attempts. In the latest game against Colgate, he scored a season-high 15 points, including going 4-for-4 from the line in critical moments.
Assist Statistics
Bowen is also displaying extraordinary playmaking skills, contributing an average of 4.1 assists per game, ranking fourth in the Atlantic 10. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.21 is the highest in the conference.
Cayden Charles Shines
Cayden Charles contributed to the team’s success in the victory against Colgate, scoring a team-high and season-best 20 points along with 10 rebounds. His performance exemplifies his growth, marking the first time he reached the 20-point, 10-rebound milestone at the Division I level.
Ohio’s Recent Performance
The Ohio Bobcats enter this game with a record of 3-6. They recently claimed back-to-back victories, led by Jackson Paveletzke, averaging 17.2 points per game. Notably, Ohio faced Atlantic 10 opponent George Mason earlier this season, suffering a defeat of 92-69.
Historical Context
St. Bonaventure holds a historical edge over Ohio, leading 8-5 in their all-time series. Their last meeting took place on November 5, 2019, with Ohio emerging victorious. A memorable past encounter occurred on December 18, 2010, when the teams battled through four overtimes, culminating in a thrilling 112-107 victory for St. Bonaventure, led by a stunning 44 points from Andrew Nicholson.
As both teams prepare for this exciting showdown, fans can expect a competitive game filled with standout performances in Cleveland. Stay tuned to El-Balad for updates and highlights from the event.
