Bonnies outlast Mounties in final exhibition

In its final tune-up before regular-season play, the St. Bonaventure women's basketball team downed Division III Mansfield 75-46 today at Bob Lanier Court.Coach Jim Crowley said his team welcomed the exhibition as an alternative to practice drills and scrimmages.

"We needed to play against different competition," he said. "It was good to have that kind of competition, so the kids will pay attention when we're talking about (where the team needs to improve) in practice"

Crowley's team jumped to an 11-0 run in the game's first four minutes and took a 28-17 lead into the second half.

The Mountaineers did not give in, pulling to within 10 with 12:27 remaining.

"We weren't playing well (in the second half," Crowley said. "We weren't where we needed to be, but (the girls) responded well, and over the last 11 minutes didn't give anything up."

With 6:40 to play, forward Dana Mitchell took over the scoring, netting six of her game-high 21 points in the next 1:18.

Crowley said the Bonnies locked down defensively for a strong second-half finish and praised their strength toward the end of the game.

"I liked our ability to outlast. With our depth and the way we play, that's something we take pride in," Crowley said.

All 13 Bonnies on the roster saw playing time in the exhibition. Guard Jessica Jenkins led the freshmen with 11 points.

Guard Courtney Brooks led Mansfield scorers with 11 points.

"Mansfield shot the ball well and put pressure on us with the bounce," Crowley said. "Their guards went to the basket well, and we struggled to contain them.