Pittsburgh, PA-Playing with a torn ligament in his left ring finger, Junior guard Jermaine Thomas (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson) registered a career-high 33 points, including 7-8 from beyond the arc, but it wasn't enough as the La Salle was beaten by Duquesne, 77-72, at the A.J. Palumbo Center.   

 

The Explorers (8-17, 4-10) jumped out to an early lead, 21-11, thanks to some work in the paint from Steven Smith (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast).  But the Dukes answered with a 16-2 run to surge in front, 27-23.  La Salle scored the last 11 points of the period to lead, 36-27, at halftime.

 

Things looked good for the Explorers at that point, as they hadn't lost a game after leading at half all season (8-0).  They extended their lead to as much as 11 in the opening minutes of the second half. 

 

But then there was a confusing sequence at the 11-minute mark when forward Mike St. John (Northboro, MA/River School) scored, was fouled, and went to the line with a chance to extend the Explorer lead to eight.  He missed the free throw, but Steven Smith collected the rebound and put it back for what appeared to be a 9-point lead.  Instead, the referees conferred and determined that they had told Duquesne forward Kieron Achara that it was a two-shot foul, and thus the Smith put-back was wiped away.  The Explorers were out of sorts for the rest of the game. 

 

Steven Smith finished the game with 22 points and 8 rebounds in 40 minutes.  St. John notched a career-high 6 assists to go along with 7 rebounds and 10 points.  Sean Neal (Springfield, MA/Salisbury School) contributed 5 steals in 34 minutes of action.

 

Bryant McAllister led the Dukes with 21 points on 6-10 shooting. 

 

The Explorers will continue their Atlantic 10 schedule on Sunday, Feb. 27th when they host Xavier at Tom Gola Arena at 2:05 P.M..  

 

Notes: Thomas' previous career high was on Dec. 12, 2002 when he scored 25 points against Cincinnati.  

 

Starting point guard Tabby Cunningham (Philadelphia, PA/St. John Neuman) did not return in the second half after injuring his left knee.  His status will be updated as the week continues.