The Explorers were a promising young team at the end of last season, but their rape scandal dealt the program a big setback. Their coach resigned and they lost a couple players. Consequently, they were picked to finish last in the West. Former Maine coach Dr. John Giannini now runs the ship.
They're at 4-8 in the West, one game up in the win column on the Duqies, and 8-15 overall.
Steven Smith (Jr, F, 6'8") is their main weapon. He has been A-10 Player o' the Week 3 times so far this season. He leads the league at 21 PPG. (Freeman is our best at 6th in the league, 15 PPG.) Smith also averages 8.7 RPG, good for 2nd in the league behind the Hawks' Dwayne Jones. Smith was pre-season A-10 first team, along with Freeman.
Darnell Harris (Fr, G, 6'1") has been Rookie o t Week once. He's 3rd on the team at 11.3 PPG.
Jermaine Thomas (Jr, G, 6'2") rounds out their top threats at 12 PPG.
As a team they're 11th in offense (PPG), last in rebounding (good for us).
On the schedule, their best non-conf win was against USC in Philly. (Probably one of the reasons Henry Bibby got the early-season axe.) They beat the Bonnies in Olean for their A-10 opener, and have won 3 of their last 4 (wins vs Fordham, at Richmond, at Rhody, loss vs Dayton).
In beating Rhody by 10 on Tuesday, La Salle helped their case with only 7 turnovers, and shooting 52%. Smith had a double-double (21 & 11), Thomas had 18 points though playing with a torn ligament in his left ring finger. Apparently the reports of being out for the season were exaggerated.
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Game time is 2pm. Was pushed up from the original 4pm start.
UMass game notes
http://umassathletics.collegesports.com ... 05aab.html
La Salle's fan site has this today:
http://lasalle-explorers.com/Up next is UMass and what should be Steve Lappas' last visit to the Gola on Saturday.
They're a little misguided over there though, they endorse George W