By Dustin Dow
The Cincinnati Enquirer

OLEAN, N.Y. - Lionel Chalmers laughs when the topic of Xavier University's loss at St. Bonaventure in 2002 is broached.

It's a knowing laugh, respectful even, but also suggests time has eased some of the sting caused by Xavier's last visit to Reilly Center.

Today, there's an appreciation for the boisterous St. Bonaventure home-court advantage, which Xavier will face again at 7 p.m. tonight. The Musketeers (16-9, 7-5 Atlantic 10) are trying for their seventh straight win, but aren't expecting a walkover against the 6-17 Bonnies.

"It's what college is all about, a big-time atmosphere in a small gym," said Chalmers, a senior, and one of only three Xavier players who has played at Reilly Center. "Everyone there wants to see us lose."

Two seasons ago, Xavier went into St. Bonaventure with the nation's longest winning streak at 12 games. The Musketeers left with a one-point loss which saw Atlantic 10 Player of the Year David West foul out with four minutes to play, and Romain Sato's potential game-winning shot just fall off the rim. The Bonnies' fans rushed the court, forcing Xavier players to push their way to the locker room.

"From what I hear, two years ago, we had a bad situation down there," said senior center Anthony Myles, who is making his first trip to St. Bonaventure. "For those that have been there, I guess it's more personal for them."

As it continues to build its NCAA Tournament at-large credentials, Xavier wants to avoid a close game tonight. The Bonnies program is at a low-point, a year after an academic scandal led to players quitting before the end of the season, and the dismissal of the coaching staff, athletic director and school president. The school's chairman committed suicide over the summer because of the scandal.

Last Wednesday, the NCAA placed St. Bonaventure on three years probation, including a postseason ban this year. Tuesday, the Atlantic 10 presidents voted to allow St. Bonaventure to participate in the league's conference tournament March 10-13 in Dayton, which is considered an extension of the regular season. If St. Bonaventure win the A-10 championship, the runner-up would receive the league's automatic NCAA Tournament bid.

With no postseason hope, upsetting a tournament "bubble team" such as Xavier might be St. Bonaventure's greatest motivation.

"It's crazy man," Sato said. "It's a tough place to play. We don't want a close game again. We want to do whatever we can to play hard and do the best we can to win the game, not to let them get back in the game."

Xavier at St. Bonaventure

Tipoff: 7 p.m. today, Reilly Center (6,000).

Records: XU 16-9 (7-5 Atlantic 10), St. Bonaventure 6-17 (2-10).

Radio: WKRC-AM (550).

TV: Fox Sports Net Ohio

Series: St. Bonaventure leads 15-14

Line: XU by 11 1/2.

XAVIER

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Justin Cage	Fr.	6-6	4.8
Anthony Myles	Sr.	6-9	9.6
Justin Doellman	Fr.	6-9	6.2
Lionel Chalmers	Sr.	6-0	15.5
Romain Sato	Sr.	6-5	15.8

Coach: Thad Matta (68-21, third season; 92-29 overall).

ST. BONAVENTURE

Player	Yr.	Ht.	PPG
Andy Smith	Fr.	6-6	2.7
S. Dumbliauskas	Jr.	6-8	3.3
Yankuba Camara	Jr.	6-11	3.0
Ahmad Smith	So.	6-4	11.1
Marques Green	Sr.	5-7	19.8

Coach: Anthony Solomon (6-17, first season; same overall).

---

E-mail ddow@enquirer.com