St. Bonaventure 76, Fordham 65: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

BRONX, NY -- ­The late Al McGuire knew very well the value of the ’marquee’ player. They would be reserved for the cover of the media guide and be showcased, especially on offense. Today many media guides are digital, but the idea is intact. You need a marquee player in your system.

You also need other, sometimes lesser known players, to step up and come through. On Wednesday in St. Bonaventure’s 76-­65 win over Fordham, the Bonnies had one such player of note. Andell Cumberbatch scored 18 points, pulled down five rebounds, and added three steals. He tied Matthew Wright for team scoring honors.

A 6-­4 junior guard, Cumberbatch, according to St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt, has been playing better and gaining an increased level of confidence. On a night when Charlon Kloof shot 2-for-6, scoring just seven points, Cumberbatch’s performance was vital, especially when you are away from home.

Fordham hung around until the latter stages. The Ram backcourt scored 50 of the team’s points. In the end, they lacked the inside game necessary to pull off a victory.

Schmidt praised the Rams, adding “winning on the road is never easy in this league.” It is less of a task when you receive a contribution from the supporting cast, such as the one Cumberbatch put together at Rose Hill.

St. Bonaventure head coach Mark Schmidt reacts to a play:

The Fordham dance team in action, gracing the court during a timeout:

Official Winston Stith gets a breather before the resumption of play:

St. Bonaventure's Matthew Wright defending the inbounds:

Fordham head coach Tom Pecora emphasizes a point during his postgame press conference:

The calm before the storm outside Rose Hill Gym near midnight. All is serene before the impending snow arrives: