Philadelphia, PA - Head Coach Tom Lochner had his first Big 5 challenge as the Explorers traveled across town to the Palestra to take on the Penn Quakers. Despite an impressive defensive outing by La Salle, Penn took the game in the final three seconds winning 51-49, dropping La Salle to 1-2 on the season and 0-1 in the Big 5.

Penn came out strong and took the lead early and held on to about a four point lead throughout the first ten minutes of the first period. La Salle then went on a 12-5 run and went up by as many as seven in the first half. The Explorers went into the locker room up 24-20, led by junior Shaune McLaughlin (Somers Point, NJ/Mainland Regional) who was 2-3 from three point land and had six first half points.

The Explorers held on to their lead larger due to the second half play of junior Davineia Payne (Bear, DE/Caravel Academy) who scored 11 of her 13 points in the second period. Penn trailed for the majority of the second half taking a one point lead at the 7:44 mark, but La Salle stole the lead right back and held on until just 34 seconds remained in the game.

Penn's Amanda Kammes tied the game at 49 off a jumper. The Explorers called a time out to put a play together, Penn however played tremendous defense, as did both teams throughout the game. La Salle was forced to throw up a shot as the shot clock ran down.

The Quakers got the ball back with three seconds remaining and Kammes dribbled down through the lane and laid up a ball that bounced around the rim and finally went through the basket for the game winning bucket and no time left on the clock. Kammes finished the game with 12 points, she led the Quakers.

The Explorers found themselves in foul trouble and looked to the bench to junior Lamera Ferguson (Syracuse, NY/Nottingham). Ferguson tallied a career high in both points with eight and rebounds with 10. She led the team in rebounds, seven of which were defensive.

Mclaughlin finished the game with eight points as did senior Jill Marano (Crofton, MD/Arundel). Sophomore Crista Ricketts (Douglasville, PA/Daniel Boone) added six points and led the team in assists with three while senior Monica Garrido-Sanz (Majadahonda, Spain/C.B. Majadahonda) posted four points.

The Explorers will break for the Thanksgiving holiday then host the Drexel Dragons on Sunday, November 28th at 1:00 p.m. in their home opener.