OLEAN, N.Y. (AP) — Andrew Nicholson scored 24 points and St. Bonaventure pulled away in the second half for a 79-58 win over Cornell in the season opener for both teams Friday night.
The Bonnies led 42-40 and went on a 10-0 run in the second half to break open a close game and lead 52-40. Cornell went more than five minutes without scoring during that run and had another scoring drought at the end of the game, going the final 6:41without a field goal.
Nicholson made all 10 of his free throw attempts. Matthew Wright added 13 points and Michael Davenport had 11 for the Bonnies.
St. Bonaventure dominated close to the basket, outscoring Cornell 30-18 in the paint.
Josh Figini scored 10 points to lead Cornell.
The game featured 14 lead changes in the first half as neither team led by more than three points until the final minute before halftime.
