Coming together: Fordham Rams win Johnny Bach Classic

 

By Rich Mancuso/Sports Editor

You would never know that these Fordham Rams had played three games back-to-back-to-back as they swept the Johnny Bach Classic at Rose Hill Sunday afternoon with a 85-69 win over Lipscomb University. Friday night, the Rams defeated FDU and on Saturday they got their second straight win by downing Saint Peter’s.

The Classic is named after the former Fordham men’s basketball coach.

The three game test went their way. They took command early Saturday afternoon and defeated Saint Peter’s 63-41, and despite a first half struggle  Sunday,  the Rams took control and took the finale game that improved their early seas on record to 4-1.

Christian Sengfelder scored 23 points and was 7-for-13 from the field and Joseph Chartouny scored 22 with five steals for Fordham.  Chartouny, the Atlantic 10-Rookie of the Year, has averaged 18 points per game for Fordham,

 But the way things are going, and what no longer appears to be a concern is this Fordham team  coming together as a group in their first four games. They shot the ball with authority and on defense made the adjustments in the second half.

Saturday afternoon, the Rams converted all nine of their free throws and converted  8-of-25 opportunities with the three-point play.

Defense, an emphasis for coach Jeff Neubauer also came together. The Rams stole the ball 15 times, and, he said “That is a big part of where we want to be.”

True, this was a another early season win that provided a test. And, yes, Saint Peter’s — which plays in the MAAC Conference —  is not a formidable Atlantic-10 Conference opponent, however the Peacocks did score 90 points Friday night in their win over Lipscomb.

“We played a tough game came back after short rest against a very good team,” said Neubauer

The  41 points held against Saint Peter’s holds more significance for the Rams because Neubauer has been emphasizing defense. Friday night, he said holding teams to 59 points or less would lead to wins and his team held the Peacocks to 20 points in the first half.

“It’s a formula that gives us a chance to win,” he said. “Bunch of guys today who played for each other. Relentless defensively and consistent.”

The coach said these three games would be a test.  The Rams passed with flying colors as they get ready for their next game Wednesday afternoon at Rose Hill as they host Rider University.

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