Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The No. 21 Massachusetts Minutemen thought they would have an easy outing against a team that was 2-4 in Atlantic 10 play, but was upset by a talented St. Bonaventure Bonnies squad that was finally able to come through at the end of the game. Four of St. Bonaventure’s starters scored double-digits, and UMass got a huge 18-point performance from Trey Davis off the bench. However, it wasn’t enough as Massachusetts fell 78-65.
Despite the loss, the Minutemen shouldn’t worry about missing out on the 2014 NCAA Tournament because as long as they win three or four more games, they should be a lock for a place in the Big Dance. Their 17-3 record is boosted by wins over the LSU Tigers and New Mexico Lobos, but lacks quality opposition. The A-10 is one of the most competitive conferences all around, so UMass must be on their guard or risk further upsets.
On the other hand, St. Bonaventure is 13-8 and definitely needed a win over a ranked opponent like Massachusetts in order to stay in the hunt for a 2014 NCAA Tournament berth. Although they are considered out of the tournament at the moment, they will have every opportunity to steal a place in March Madness.
All of the Bonnies’ A-10 losses have come by eight points or less. Do not be surprised if St. Bonaventure go on a run in the Atlantic 10 tournament and threaten for the conference championship. The Atlantic 10 will be one of the conferences that the could be won by a surprise team like St. Bonaventure, and UMass found that out the hard way.
Taylor Sturm is an SEC Basketball Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
