Dec. 20, 2008
La Salle vs. Rider
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Tom Gola Arena
Game: Non-Conference
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La Salle Explorers (6-5, 0-0)
Conference: Atlantic 10
Entering Sunday’s game against the Rider Broncs, the La Salle Explorers will be returning to Tom Gola Arena on a two-game winning streak after their sixth victory of the season over the Loyola (MD) Greyhounds on Friday. In a game that featured La Salle rallying from two separate seven-point deficits, the Explorers shot a season-best 52.6 field goal percentage as they were able to secure their second road win of the year. In the mix of the victory, four Explorers finished in double figures as junior Morgan Robertson collected her sixth double-double of the season, tying her with Xavier sophomore Ta’Shia Phillips for the most in the conference. When La Salle tips-off against Rider on Sunday, they will be trying to follow up the men’s victory over the Broncs, occurring back on Wednesday night. The Explorers look to add a victory to their 6-0 record against the Broncs in order to remain undefeated in the all-time series. With sophomore Ashley Gale owning a team-best in blocks and steals, senior Margaret Elderton’s sharp three-point shooting and Robertson leading the team with her 13.5 ppg and 9.6 rpg, La Salle should be able to reel off one last win before they head to Lehigh for the Christmas City Classic next weekend.
Rider Broncs (2-6, 0-2)
Conference: MAAC
Before the Broncs of Rider head out to Charlottesville, VA for the Marriott Cavalier Classic next weekend, they will begin their road trip with a stop in Philadelphia to face the La Salle Explorers on Sunday. In their most recent task, the Rider Broncs dropped their sixth game of the season to Navy back on Friday night at home. When freshman Alyssa Parsons returns to her hometown on Sunday as the team’s best three-point shooter (38.8%), she will be coming off Friday’s six point production, which was the same game senior Shaunice Parker and junior Tammy Meyers claimed double-doubles in. In addition to Meyers (16.4 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Parker (10.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg), junior Amanda Sepulveda has been a pivotal player for the Broncs with her 10.6 ppg, compliments of her effective three-point shooting. If these three can help manufacture points and maintain a lead, the Broncs can expect to acquire the program’s first win over La Salle on Sunday afternoon.
Eye on an Explorer: Ashley Gale
Sophomore Ashley Gale, who has started in all eleven games this season, ranks second on the team with 10.5 points per game. This season, Gale has been a major factor as to why the Explorers have been able to hold onto wins late in games. While being among the top shooters on the team from beyond the arc, Gale has been dominant on defense with team-highs in blocks (10) and steals (20). Gale goes into Sunday afternoon’s game after putting up a season-high 17 points, which included three three-point field goals, and a game-high three steals in the Explorers latest winning effort back on Friday night.
Key Matchup: Morgan Robertson vs. Shaunice Parker
Sunday’s matchup between La Salle and Rider will feature two forwards who have been consistent at sustaining double-doubles. Junior Morgan Robertson and senior Shaunice Parker are tops in their respective conferences in reaching this feat. So far this season, Robertson has attained six double-doubles along with her team-best 13.5 ppg and 9.6 rpg. In eight of eleven games this season, Robertson has set team-highs in points and rebounds. Parker has achieved a double-double in four games this season, while ranking second on the team in scoring (10.9) and first in rebounds (8.6). If La Salle or Rider can keep one of these standouts from being a threat under the glass, Robertson or Parker’s offensive production will likely falter as well. Winning this matchup will be based upon the individual’s teammates being able to box-out one of these players so that they are unable to get second-chance points.
