Posted by: Kale Beers
Philadelphia, PA-The La Salle University Men's Basketball team was ice cold from the floor and trailed wire-to-wire as they fell to Central Connecticut State, 60-48, in a non-conference match-up at Tom Gola Arena.
Connecticut State guard Tristian Blackwood hit a three-pointer to open the game and the Blue Devils (2-4) were off to the races. Before anyone had blinked they were up 24-11 and seemed incapable of missing. At intermission they were shooting a white-hot 69.2 percent from the field, as opposed to 33.3 percent for the struggling Explorers.
Jermaine Thomas (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson) kept the Explorers (1-4) close with 11 points in the first on 3-of-7 shooting. It seemed as if La Salle might climb back into the game after a pair of steals by Darnell Harris (Baltimore, MD/St. Francis) and Thomas, but the Blue Devils continued to scald the nets.
The Blue Devils led, 41-25, at halftime.
The Explorers improved defensively in the second - limiting CCSU to 28.6 percent from the field - but never established themselves offensively. Thomas led the Explorers with 14 points, including four three-pointers. Mike St. John (Northboro, MA/River School) chipped in 11 points and three rebounds.
Forward Obie Nwadike led the Blue Devils with 17 points.
The Explorers will return to action on Saturday, December 11th, when they take on the Villanova Wildcats at the Palestra. The game is slated to tip at 3:00 P.M..
