St. Bonaventure Hosts No. 24 Saint Louis on ESPN2
The St. Bonaventure men’s basketball team is set to face a significant challenge as they host No. 24 Saint Louis on Friday, January 23, 2026. This will be the first game of the season featuring a ranked opponent, and it will take place at the Reilly Center, with a tip-off scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET. Fans are encouraged to participate in the White Out tradition by wearing white to support the team, which will be broadcast live on ESPN2.
Key Players for St. Bonaventure
This season has showcased some remarkable individual performances for St. Bonaventure. Frank Mitchell, a standout forward, has excelled, achieving an impressive 11 double-doubles this season. Mitchell scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the game preceding Friday’s match, making him one of only eight players nationally to reach this feat.
- Average of 10.4 rebounds per game, leading the Atlantic 10 conference.
- Ranked seventh nationally with a total of 198 rebounds.
- Leads NCAA Division I with an average of 4.68 offensive rebounds per game.
Mitchell’s Rebounding Stats
| Rank | Name | School | Offensive Rebounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frank Mitchell | St. Bonaventure | 89 |
| 2 | Brandon Benjamin | Fairfield | 81 |
| 3 | JT Toppin | Texas Tech | 80 |
| 4 | Duke Brennan | Villanova | 78 |
| 5 | Giovanni Emejuru | East Carolina | 77 |
| 5 | Rikus Schulte | Fordham | 77 |
Dasonte Bowen has also been a crucial contributor, averaging 4.8 assists per game this season, leading the Atlantic 10 with 5.8 assists in conference play. He has demonstrated impressive efficiency, with a strong assist-to-turnover ratio that was notably highlighted in his recent performances.
Scoring Highlights
Cayden Charles has been instrumental for the Bonnies, particularly in Atlantic 10 games. He averages 14.8 points and 6.7 rebounds in these matchups. His recent performances include a strong showing against Loyola Chicago, where he achieved his fourth double-double of the season.
Buddy Simmons II has also drawn attention, especially in conference play, where he averages 18.0 points per game. He has consistently scored double digits and recently notched a season-high of 26 points against Loyola Chicago.
Saint Louis Overview
Coming into this matchup, Saint Louis boasts an impressive 18-1 record and a perfect 6-0 in the Atlantic 10. The Billikens are ranked No. 24 in the AP Top 25 poll. Their roster includes multiple players scoring in double figures, with Robbie Avila leading the team at an average of 12.8 points per game.
The historical context adds weight to this matchup, as St. Bonaventure trails in all-time series against Saint Louis, holding a record of 16-17. Saint Louis has won the last four encounters between the teams.
Fans can expect an intense game as St. Bonaventure looks to turn the tide against a formidable Saint Louis squad.
