Hot Bonnies Host Surging Raiders in Nonconference Clash KNAPP CREEK, N.Y. (Interstat) — The surging Saint Bonaventure Bonnies, off to their best start in years, will put a nine-game winning streak on the line Wednesday night when they host the Colgate Raiders at the Reilly Center. Saint Bonaventure (9-1) has been one of the early surprises of the season, with its only loss coming on the road against then-North Carolina. The Bonnies are coming off a 77-69 road victory at Buffalo on Saturday, led by 15 points from guard Daniel Egbuniwe. The sophomore has been a consistent scorer, averaging 11.2 points per game and posting 17 points in a win at East Carolina. “We’re playing with confidence and defending at a high level,” Saint Bonaventure coach Mark Schmidt said. “But Colgate is a dangerous, tournament-tested team. We’ll need to be sharp.” That Colgate team (6-4) has found its rhythm after a tough early schedule, winners of four straight, including a 94-50 rout of St. John Fisher on Saturday. Guard Ben Tweedy erupted for a season-high 23 points in that win, highlighting a recent offensive surge. Over his last five games, Tweedy is averaging 11.8 points. “Ben’s aggressiveness opens things up for everyone,” Colgate coach Matt Langel said. “We’re sharing the ball better and starting to look like ourselves.” The Raiders’ early losses came against power conference foes Illinois and Michigan State, and a double-overtime heartbreaker at Cornell. Their defense, which allowed just 50 points in each of their last two games, will face a stiffer test against a balanced Bonnies attack featuring Egbuniwe, Darryl Simmons (12 points, 5 assists vs. Buffalo) and Frank Mitchell. This matchup serves as a final major nonconference test for both before league play ramps up. Saint Bonaventure begins Atlantic 10 action on New Year’s Eve at VCU, while Colgate opens Patriot League play on Dec. 31 at Lafayette. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. The Bonnies have won 18 of their last 20 home games at the Reilly Center, a fortress where they are 5-0 this season. Colgate will aim to replicate its road success from wins at Siena and Albany during its current streak. “It’s a great opportunity against a very good team in a tough environment,” Langel said. “These are the games that prepare you for March.”