Feb. 22, 2009 

-from AP reports and La Salle Athletic Communications

Final Stats |  Photo Gallery 

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Aaron Jackson scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half to lead Duquesne to a 79-68 win over La Salle Sunday.

Damian Saunders added 22 points, matching his career high, for the Dukes (16-9, 7-5 Atlantic 10), who had lost three of their last four.

Rodney Green had 14 points to lead four players in double figures for the Explorers (14-12, 5-7), who dropped their second straight. Kimmani Barrett added 12 points and pulled down nine boards, five of which were on the offensive end. Paul Johnson also netted 12 while rebounding eight. Vernon Goodridge added 11 while Darryl Partin chipped in nine off the bench.

Jackson got Duquesne off to a strong start, making seven of his first nine shots to finish with 17 points in the first half and help the Dukes to a 44-41 lead at the break. Goodridge's layup 13 seconds into the second half brought La Salle within 44-43. But the Dukes scored the next six points and the Explorers never got closer than three the rest of the way.

Three point shooting continued to hamper the Explorers, who are now 5-for-30 over the past two games.

Eric Evans also reached double figures for Duquesne with 11 points, while Saunders set a career high with 14 rebounds.