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Dec. 28, 2005

Final Stats

MIAMI, Fla. - Texas-San Antonio used its superior depth and persistent rebounding to top St. Bonaventure 76-55 on Wednesday night in the championship game of the Florida International Holiday Classic at Pharmed Arena.

Coming off its overtime win against Florida International on Tuesday night, St. Bonaventure saw little go right against the Roadrunners. The Bonnies shot only 37 percent from the field, including 5-21 (24 percent) from three-point range. The Roadrunners lived up to their nickname, repeatedly converting Bonnies turnovers into scores. And whereas rebounding has been a strength this season, the Bonnies were out-rebounded 51-36 and allowed Texas-San Antonio 19 offensive rebounds.

"It's difficult to have success when you give up that many second chance opportunities," said Bonnies coach Anthony Solomon. "Second chances are deflating plays because they come after you've made a defensive stop. That was the difference in the game."

St. Bonaventure did start the game well and led 18-14 after a Smith three-pointer at the 12:56 mark. But Texas-San Antonio then put together a 13-3 run to take a 27-21 lead with 7:09 left. St. Bonaventure suffered through its first prolonged dry spell, managing just 10 points over the final 12:56 of the first half, including one point in the final 3:47. The Bonnies found themselves down 43-29 at halftime.

The second half started promisingly as St. Bonaventure score eight of the first 10 points to cut its deficit to 45-37. But the Bonnies again went cold, going without a field goal over a 7:00 span. Texas-San Antonio used that opportunity to put the game out of reach. The Roadrunners went on a 12-0 run to open a 57-37 lead with 9:27 to play.

St. Bonaventure committed eight turnovers in the second half and 15 for the game.

"Tonight was disappointing," Solomon said. "After the 10 minute mark (of the first half) it just was not our night. We had a hard time again getting into any offensive rythym."

A milestone for Ahmad Smith and another double-double by Paul Williams were the only highlights for St. Bonaventure. Smith led St. Bonaventure with 19 points and became the 36th player in team history to reach the 1,000 point plateau. He came into the game with 999 and reached 1,000 on a jumper 1:46 into the game. The senior guard was named to the Holiday Classic All-Tournament team. Williams scored 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for his second double-double in as many nights. No other Bonnie scored more than six points.

"As competitive as Ahmad is, it will be difficult for him to think about (1,000 points) right now," said Solomon. "But scoring 1,000 points in a career is a great feat. Paul continues to play well for us."

Andre Owens, a 6-4 guard, led Texas-San Antonio with 21 points and was selected the tournament MVP. Eight Roadrunners scored on the night with nine who saw extended playing time.

St. Bonaventure completed its non-conference schedule with a record of 6-5. The Bonnies open Atlantic 10 Conference play on the road next week starting Jan. 3 at Saint Louis.

"We've got a lot to work on and a lot to improve," Solomon said, looking ahead. "It is only going to get more challenging as we enter A-10 play."