Pollard scored 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting. He added three rebounds, three steals, two blocks and two assists in 17 minutes.
“It’s been great having another Chicago teammate on the court with me,” Davis said. “We’re waiting for Josh (Cunningham) to return. Having Kendall back is a major part of the team. He’s a vocal player and also a leader.”
Davis provided a ray of hope that the team’s other Chicago native, the sophomore forward Cunningham, who’s expected to miss at least three months with a torn ligament in his ankle, will play again this season.
“We’re not hoping; we’re expecting him to come back to the team,” Davis said. “We’re just waiting. He’s doing what he needs to do to get ready. We’re waiting for his return.”
School visit: Saint Joseph's visited Incarnation Catholic School in Centerville on Tuesday before the game. Tom Doorley, the athletic director at Incarnation, is a 1988 Saint Joseph's graduate.
In a video posted to YouTube about the visit, fourth-year Pumas coach Tom Church addressed the school, and the team performed dribbling drills with the students.
Walk-on contributions: Senior walk-on guard Joey Gruden scored his first career point with one minute remaining. He made 1 of 2 free throws. Gruden had appeared in 12 games in his career prior to this game but had attempted only one field goal.
Another senior walk-on, Jeremiah Bonsu, has yet to score in his career. He made his second career appearance in the final seconds.
“We tried to get him out there a little earlier,” Smith said. “I know it’s a dream of his to play in a college game. I think this was a second time playing. One step at a time. I’m pretty sure the opportunity will present itself somewhere down the road.”
Next game: Dayton will play East Tennessee State (7-1) at 2 p.m. Saturday at UD Arena. The Buccaneers have won five straight games. They beat another Atlantic 10 team, Fordham, 96-59 in their season opener.
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