Fordham 54, St. Bonaventure 51: Ray Floriani's Photo Essay

Bronx, NY­ - The possession count, so vital in tempo-free and advanced statistics is 69 possessions. A fast, borderline ’NASCAR’ game pace. At crunch time, the final five minutes, there is a decidedly different tempo. A one-possession game necessitates greater care of the ball and treasuring each possession.

This is not to suggest the Fordham women, 54-51 victors over St. Bonaventure Thursday at Rose Hill, were careless with the ball. Not to suggest the Bonnies were either, though 12 first half turnovers would have coach Jim Crowley’s disagreement.

In the final twenty minutes, Crowley’s Bonnies cut the turnovers to three. As a result, they came back and took a lead before the host Rams pulled it out the last two minutes.

The game possession count yielded a fast-paced number, actually wound up a basketball chess match between Crowley and Fordham counterpart Stephanie Gaitley.

Once again, there was the reminder. Coaches manage late game situations, using timeouts judiciously, making the proper substitutions and getting out the clip board to diagram a late game play or set. Ultimately, the players decide. They make the plays, including the crucial free throws. On this ungodly cold evening in the Bronx, the action was definitely of a warmer variety in storied Rose Hill Gym. Fordham made the necessary plays improving to 8-2 in the Atlantic Ten, six games ahead of the Bonnies, who came up agonizingly short.

Looking back this game was another reminder of what should be obvious. Coaches’ roles as game planners and tacticians are invaluable. Tempo-free gives us another insight of value. Ultimately, the players decide the outcome within the ‘94 X’50 confines.

Fordham coach Stephanie Gaitley studies the action:

Evidently, "Ram Town" has spaces available on this chilly evening:

Fordham's Tiffany Ruffin makes a move against Imani Outlaw of St. Bonaventure:

St. Bonaventure coach Jim Crowley in deep thought on the sidelines:

With the win secured, the Fordham women huddle at center court:

Ray with Fordham administrative assistant Katelyn Linney. He officiated the game she scored her 1,000th career point for St. John Vianney High School. They later formally met and became basketball friends during Katelyn's playing days at Fairfield:

Fordham's Emily Tapio meets the media: