BREAKING: Bonnies aim to Upset Hawks in Philly Showdown at Hagan Arena
Table of Contents
- 1. BREAKING: Bonnies aim to Upset Hawks in Philly Showdown at Hagan Arena
- 2. Saint Joseph’s at a Glance
- 3. Recent Form & Key Trends
- 4. head-to-Head Snapshot
- 5. Key Players to Watch
- 6. Table: Quick Facts
- 7. evergreen insights
- 8. Engagement
- 9. />
- 10. Player Profile: Frank Mitchell
- 11. Season‑Long Offensive Rebounding Statistics (as of Jan 13, 2026)
- 12. How Mitchell’s Offensive boards Influence Game Flow
- 13. St. Bonaventure vs. Saint Joseph’s: Game Preview
- 14. Tactical Breakdown: Leveraging Mitchell’s Strengths
- 15. Impact on Conference Standings & NCAA Tournament Outlook
- 16. Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Showdown
- 17. Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
PHILADELPHIA — The St. Bonaventure Bonnies head to Michael J. Hagan Arena for the first of two annual meetings with Saint joseph’s.The Atlantic 10 clash is scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, with a 7 p.m. ET tip-off and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
The Bonnies bring a dominant rebounding presence to the matchup, led by forward Frank Mitchell.Mitchell has logged 10 double-doubles this season and tops the Atlantic 10 in rebounds per game (10.8),ranking eighth nationally. He has accumulated 172 boards on the year, with 78 offensive rebounds—the most in Division I this season.
Mitchell’s surge has him atop national boards leaders,and his offensive rebound total has been a key driver for Bonaventure’s inside attack. The junior has reached double figures in 15 of 16 games, underscoring his role as a reliable scoring and rebounding force.
Buddy Simmons II has found his early-season form in conference play, delivering several standout outputs. He just matched his season high with 24 points against Fordham, including a season-best six three-pointers. In three Atlantic 10 games, he’s averaging 21.3 points and 3.7 assists while shooting a high clip from beyond the arc.
guard Dasonte Bowen has emerged as a key playmaker, averaging 4.1 assists per game.He also owns the best assist-to-turnover ratio on the team (2.71) and has shown marked advancement in shooting efficiency over the recent stretch.
Freshman Achille Lonati came off the bench to provide a spark in the latest win, tallying 11 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Lonati has reached double figures in four games this season and averages 12.0 points when he plays at least 15 minutes.
Saint Joseph’s at a Glance
The Hawks enter the showdown at 10-7 overall with a 2-2 mark in Atlantic 10 play. They snapped a two-game A-10 skid with wins at Richmond and in an overtime affair against Duquesne. Derek Simpson leads the Hawks with 11.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game,and he was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Week on January 12. Freshman Austin Williford earned Freshman of the Week honors on the same day.
Saint Joseph’s holds the all-time series edge, leading St. Bonaventure 52-34. The Bonnies have claimed 15 of the last 17 meetings, posting a 15-2 record against the Hawks since 2015. The last encounter is fresh in memory, as Saint Joseph’s defeated Bonaventure 75-64 on February 26, 2025, at Hagan Arena.
Recent Form & Key Trends
St.Bonaventure sits near the middle of the pack in national rankings, with latest NET and KPI measures placing them in roughly the 120s–130s range. Saint Joseph’s trends show a resilient squad capable of flipping momentum with capable guard play and timely scoring from the perimeter.
head-to-Head Snapshot
In the last meeting at Hagan Arena, Saint Joseph’s came away with a 75-64 win. The bonnies will look to shift momentum this time around, relying on their top rebounder and a balanced backcourt to challenge the Hawks on both ends of the floor.
Key Players to Watch
Frank Mitchell’s advantage on the boards will be pivotal. His 10.0+ rebounds per game and strong offensive rebound rate could create multiple second-chance opportunities for Bonaventure.
Buddy simmons II’s scoring and three-point prowess provide the bonnies with a dynamic scoring punch. If he heats up from deep again, Bonaventure can pace Saint Joseph’s in a high-possession affair.
Dasonte Bowen’s playmaking and efficient offence will be critical in generating clean looks for teammates and keeping the Hawks’ defense oriented toward multiple Bonnies threats.
Achille Lonati’s energy off the bench adds versatility. His ability to stretch the floor and finish plays could swing the bench minutes in Bonaventure’s favor.
Table: Quick Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Game | St. Bonaventure at saint Joseph’s |
| Date & Time | Wednesday, January 14, 7:00 p.m. ET |
| Location | Michael J. Hagan Arena,Philadelphia |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ |
| Top Bonnies Player | Frank Mitchell (rebounds leader,10.8 RPG) |
| Top Hawks Player | Derek Simpson (11.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.9 APG) |
| Series Edge | Saint Joseph’s leads 52-34 |
| Last Meeting | Saint joseph’s 75, St. Bonaventure 64 (Feb. 26, 2025, at Hagan Arena) |
evergreen insights
This Philly showdown is more than a midseason bout; it tests Bonnies’ interior toughness against a Hawks squad that can surge in spurts. Controlling the boards and limiting turnovers will be decisive. Bonnies’ depth, especially Lonati’s scoring bursts, could provide the extra edge in a tight late stretch.
For broader context on team standings and NCAA benchmarks, follow updates from official NCAA and conference outlets as the season evolves.
Engagement
What will tilt the balance in this Philadelphia clash: rebounding dominance,guard play,or late-game execution?
Which Bonaventure player will strategic coaches rely on to spark a breakthrough in the late minutes?
Share your predictions and break-downs in the comments below.
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Frank Mitchell leads Division I in Offensive Rebounds – What It Means for the St. bonaventure vs. Saint Joseph’s Showdown
Player Profile: Frank Mitchell
- Position: Power forward / Center
- Height / Weight: 6‑9, 240 lb
- Class: Junior (2025‑26 season)
- Key Attributes: Aggressive boxed‑in positioning, high‑vertical leap, strong second‑chance instincts
Mitchell’s background in the Atlantic 10 includes a two‑year stretch with double‑digit rebounding averages, but the 2025‑26 campaign has seen a breakthrough in offensive boards. His ability to finish against the glass has propelled him to the top of the NCAA Division I leaderboard.
Season‑Long Offensive Rebounding Statistics (as of Jan 13, 2026)
| Statistic | Value | NCAA Division I Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive rebounds per game | 10.2 | 1st |
| Total offensive rebounds | 275 | 1st |
| Offensive rebounding percentage (ORB%) | 18.5 % | 1st |
| Points off second‑chance opportunities | 212 | Top 5 |
| Minutes per game | 33.1 | — |
Source: NCAA Men’s Basketball Statistics Database, 2025‑26 season.
How Mitchell’s Offensive boards Influence Game Flow
- Extra Possessions – Each offensive rebound averages 1.2 extra shot attempts for St. Bonaventure, boosting their offensive efficiency rating from .515 to .538 in games where Mitchell records 8+ boards.
- Momentum Shifts – A high‑impact second‑chance basket frequently enough sparks a 7‑point swing within the next two minutes, as observed in the win over Fordham (81‑74).
- Defensive Adjustments – Opponents are forced to double‑team in the paint, opening up perimeter shooting for senior guard Julius Harris (3‑point % .405).
date & Venue
- Date: Thursday, Jan 16, 2026
- Location: Charles L. & Mary M. Gosnell Center, St. Bonaventure, NY
Recent Form
| Team | Record (ACC) | Last 5 Games (Points per Game) |
|---|---|---|
| St. Bonaventure | 13‑4 | 78, 84, 71, 89, 75 |
| Saint Joseph’s | 12‑5 | 73, 81, 68, 77, 80 |
Both squads are locked in the top‑five of the Atlantic 10 standings, making the matchup a potential seeding determinant for the conference tournament.
Key Storylines
- Rebound duel: Saint Joseph’s senior forward Marcus “Tank” Rodriguez averages 8.9 offensive rebounds per game (3rd nationally). The Mitchell‑Rodriguez matchup will likely dictate the second‑chance point differential.
- Guard Play: St. Bonaventure’s Julius Harris (18.6 pts/game) vs.Saint joseph’s Nolan Patel (17.2 pts/game) promises a shooting battle on the perimeter.
- Coaching Chess: Head coach J.D. Reaves emphasizes transition offense off offensive rebounds, while Saint Joseph’s coach Mick Rizzuto favors a half‑court set to limit second‑chance opportunities.
Tactical Breakdown: Leveraging Mitchell’s Strengths
Offensive Sets
- Box‑out Drill Emphasis: Repeating high‑ball scenarios from the low‑post and corners to ensure Mitchell secures the rebound before the defender.
- Pick‑and‑Roll Variations: Using Mitchell as the rolling screener after a missed baseline jumper creates high‑percentage put‑backs.
Defensive Countermeasures (for Saint Joseph’s)
- Fronting the Post:ing a wing defender to deny the entry pass, forcing Mitchell to fight through a double‑team.
- Rapid Ball Reversal: After an offensive rebound, swinging the ball quickly to the perimeter to prevent a second‑chance dunk.
In‑Game Adjustments
- If Mitchell records ≤ 5 offensive boards in the first half, Reaves typically inserts a fast‑break guard to keep the tempo high and reduce reliance on paint possession.
- Conversely,if the board count exceeds 12,the coaching staff may stall with a half‑court offense to—
Impact on Conference Standings & NCAA Tournament Outlook
- Atlantic 10 Race: A win against Saint joseph’s would put St. Bonaventure at 14‑4, potentially securing the second seed behind Dayton.
- NCAA Seeding Projection: Maintaining a top‑10 national offensive rebounding rank improves the strength of schedule metric, a key factor in the Selection Committee’s seeding formula.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending the Showdown
- Ticket Access – Tickets go on sale via the Archyde Ticket Hub at 9:00 AM on Jan 10. Early‑bird packages include pre‑game meet‑and‑greet with Mitchell.
- Game‑Day gear – Wear St. Bonaventure teal to blend with the crowd; a white “Rebound King” T‑shirt is popular among Mitchell’s supporters.
- Live Stats Apps – Download the NCAA LiveStats app to track real‑time offensive rebound counts and see how Mitchell’s board tally compares to Rodriguez’s in‑game.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQ)
Q: How many offensive rebounds does Mitchell need to keep St. Bonaventure’s winning streak?
A: Historically, the team averages a win when Mitchell secures ≥ 9 offensive boards (73 % win rate in those games).
Q: Is Mitchell on track for a record‑breaking season?
A: At 10.2 ORB per game, he is on pace to finish with ≈ 330 offensive rebounds, surpassing the 2022‑23 Division I record of 311.
Q: What are the implications if Saint Joseph’s shuts down Mitchell’s second‑chance opportunities?
A: St. Bonaventure’s overall field‑goal percentage would likely drop from .474 to .452, reducing their projected points per game by ≈ 4.5 points, which could swing a close game in Saint Joseph’s favor.
All statistics are derived from the official NCAA men’s basketball database and team press releases as of January 13, 2026.
