December 8, 2020 –
The La Salle Explorers men’s basketball team opened their home schedule and got the first win of the season 80 – 62 over the Lincoln Lions at the Gola Arena. The game was arranged a short period of time ago. For the Explorers is was exciting to play a game on their court.
“Playing on our home floor is a great feeling,” said Spencer. “Just to be home. We’ve been on the road a lot. Coming back to our gym our rim is something we know. It feels comfortable. We bring it in this gym every day.”
The Division II Lions who were undefeated were scrappy throughout. They trailed the Explorers 29 – 24 with less than five minutes to play in the first half. La Salle scored the next 14 points highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers by Spencer to take the advantage at halftime. The provided the Explorers the needed separation to take control of the game. The reason behind the run was defense.
“That’s always been our deal, allowing our defense to create our offense,” said La Salle Coach Ashley Howard. “We had that stretch where we were able to open the game up. We want to be a team that can have those types of spurts.”
Still, Lincoln stayed in contention getting the gap down to single-digits midway through the second half, but La Salle would pull away again.
There are times to win the game it is a matter of making shots. The Explorers made 28 of 62 (45.2%) and sank 11 of 26 from distance. The Lions made 36.5% (23 of 63) and converted 7 of 23 three-pointers.
Jack Clark scored a team-high 15 points and pulled down a game-high 9 rebounds. Spencer added 13 points hitting 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. Clifton Moore, a transfer, and freshman Anwar Gill put in 10 points each, a career-high for both at 20th and Olney.
Lincoln had three payers in double figures led by Korey Williams with a game-best 17 points. Zahrion Blue scored 14 points. Both players had 3 made three’s. Ja’Zere Noel chipped in 11 points.
La Salle improves to 1 – 3 in this very fluid season. They go to Drexel on Saturday for their next outing, then open Atlantic 10 play at home against Massachusetts on December 16. They go into the Drexel game off a win.
“It gives us a confidence boost going into the Drexel game,” Clark said about getting win number one. “We’re going to keep riding this throughout the season.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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