St. Bonaventure Learns How to Dance

Being a fan of St. Bonaventure Basketball is a lot like being a Bills fan. Over the years we have seen too much heartache, and endured countless two and four win seasons and even scandal. Today the ghosts of Bob Lanier were vindicated as St. Bonaventure won the Atlantic 10 title by beating Xavier 67-56, and earning a spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2000.

The team was led by Andrew Nicholson, who will probably play in the NBA one day, just like the last St. Bonaventure Basketball player to take the team to the promised land Bob Lanier. Nicholson dominated at times, pulling down rebounds, swatting away lay ups and draining jumpers throughout the game. He finished with 26 points, 14 Rebounds and 8 blocked shots.

An early 22-5 first half run nearly slipped away in the second half as the Bonnies lost leads of 17 and 14 and allowed Xavier to get within 4 twice, leaving the Bona faithful with a huge lump in our throats. But they never quit, and slowly turned things around on Xavier and let there nearly flawless free throw shooting win the game. The gangly Nicholson was an 10 for 10 at the line, while his teammates were near perfect too.

Da' Quan Cook and Charlon Kloff added nine points each for the Bonnies, and Demitrius Conger added some flash, driving the lane and getting St. Bonaventure back on track when it appeared Xavier had shut Nicholson down.

Unlike the 2000 team, Nicholson brings star fire power to the Bonnies lineup and has Bona fans asking "is this the year?" While the odds are low that this team can make a run like Lanier's team, it feels good to be a part of the Wolf Pack again. It's Selection Sunday and the Bonnies have drawn Florida State, ranked 17th in the country. But Bona Fans don't care, because one thing is for sure in March Madness, anybody can win and the Bonnies are in! Now can they dance?