Nov. 24, 2008

Box Score

-From AP reports and La Salle Athletic Communications

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) - Jerrell Williams scored 19 points, Yves Mekongo Mbala had 17 points and La Salle needed overtime to beat Valparaiso 75-70 on Monday at the Paradise Jam.

The Explorers, coming off a 76-72 overtime loss to Southern Mississippi in the tournament's second round, took seventh place in the eight-team tournament here.

Kimmani Barrett scored 16 points for La Salle, which shot 38.8 percent for the game but dominated overtime with 75 percent shooting.

The Explorers led 32-23 at the half, but struggled down the stretch as the Crusaders put up a few big shots including two consecutive treys by De'Andre Haskins. The Explorers had the chance to seal the game on free throws in the final seconds of the game, but Rodney Green could not convert either free throw to send the game to overtime.

Mekongo Mbala made a jumper to open the overtime scoring and the Explorers would not relinquish the lead. The Crusaders sank three treys to stay in it, but free throws sealed the win for the Explorers.

Valpo was led by Haskins, who had a game-high 20 points on 6-for-9 shooting from the field, and Benjamin Fumey added 17 points and seven rebounds.

Valparisso had a 28-20 advantage in points in the paint, but sent La Salle to the free throw line 43 times, where the Explorers picked up 30 points.

The two teams last faced each other in 1958.

The Explorers return to the States for a Dec. 2 contest against Bucknell. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM in Gola Arena.