Philadelphia, PA-The La Salle University men's basketball team hovered within striking distance for much of the second half, but couldn't close the deal as they lost to conference rival Xavier, 62-50, at the Cintas Center.

 

The Explorers (5-14) trailed by as many as 16 in the second, and seemed to be spiraling toward a lopsided defeat when they summoned one last burst to cut the lead to 6 with under seven minutes to play.

 

But they would get no closer as the Musketeers (10-8) pounded the offensive glass down the stretch to pull away.

 

Steven Smith (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast) led the Explorers with 19 points and 11 rebounds for his 6^th double-double of the season.  He was shaken up near the end of the game as he attempted to take a charge, but appeared to be okay afterward.

 

Freshman Darnell Harris (Baltimore, MD/St. Francis) had another solid game, particularly in the first half when he scored 11 of his 13 points.

 

The Musketeers placed three players in double figures, led by Dedrick Finn with 15.  Justin Cage tallied 14 points and 8 boards, while Justin Doellman added 13 points and 13 rebounds.

It was Xavier's 10^th consecutive victory over La Salle.