Nov. 20, 2009

Box Score

CHARLESTON, SC - Five Explorers finished scored double-figures, led by senior Rodney Green's 21 points, to propel La Salle past Davidson, 84-70, on Friday evening at the Charleston Classic. Classmate Yves Mekongo added 17 points to move the Blue and Gold into a Sunday match-up with Tulane, which defeated Penn State earlier in the day, at 12:30 PM.

It was the four seniors and freshman Aaric Murray who scored in double-digits to pace La Salle. Murray had 14 points, followed by senior Kimmani Barrett with 13 and classmate Ruben Guillandeaux with 11.

Green again was impressive, collecting a career-high 10 boards along with his 21 points. He has now scored 20 or more points in all three games this season and is averaging 22.3 ppg. The Philadelphia native also passed Frank Corace to move into 21st on La Salle's all-time scoring list. He now has 1,427 points and has Larry Cannon (1,430) in his sights.

But while the seniors and Murray filled up the box score, it was the defensive play of twins Jerrell and Terrell Williams that clamped down on Davidson. The two were praised by head coach Dr. John Giannini.

"How about the play of the twins," he said. "They gave us some great minutes on defense."

The two combined for 32 minutes and shut down the Wildcat outside shooting, which connected on 10 three pointers.

Giannini was pleased with the win, especially coming over a program that has won an average of 28.3 games over the past three years and reached the 2008 NCAA Elite Eight.

"I was very pleased because not only did we have success, it was against a great team and a great program," Giannini said. "Anyone who beats a team like Davidson has to earn it." La Salle (2-1) took a 19-17 lead on a Murray jumper with 7:50 to play before halftime and never looked back. An 11-2 run over the final four minutes, including a Barrett banked three-pointer as the halftime buzzer sounded, gave the Explorers a 46-30 lead.

The advantage extended to as many as 19 points early in the second half, but Davidson (0-3) cut it to 11 on several occasions. La Salle successfully took time off the clock down the stretch, with Green able to create off the dribble from the top of the key and seal the victory in the first meeting between the two schools.

Mekongo connected on 11-for-12 from the foul line, setting career-highs in both categories. The Explorers held a 35-28 advantage on the boards and committed just 10 turnovers.

Bryant Barr led Davidson with 19 points.