Jan. 19, 2011

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - The Explorers fought back from a 10 point halftime deficit, but couldn't close out the contest as La Salle dropped a Big 5 game to Penn, 45-40 at the Palestra on Wednesday evening.

Senior Ashley Gale added a team-high 13 points and eight rebounds and sophomore Alexis Scott notched 10 points in the loss.

Trailing 21-11 at the break, the Explorers got within two at 34-32 after Gale hit a three with just under four and a half minutes to play.

This was Gale's fifth attempt from beyond the arc on the night and it moved her up to fourth all-time in career three pointers attempted.  She surpassed Jen Zenszer (1997-2001) who had 470 attempts in her time at La Salle.  Gale would finish the night with nine attempts and now has 475 for her career.

On the other end, Penn freshman Alyssa Baron completed an and 1, but Gale again sunk a three to again put La Salle within two at 37-35.

That make was Gale's 152nd of her career and with it the Glenside, Pa. native moved into fifth all-time in career three pointers made. Gale eclipsed Jenna Graber (2003-07) who had 151 career treys. 

Scott tied the game at 37 all after a layup with 1:49 to play.  Jess Knapp responded with a layup of her own to give Penn the 39-37 lead.

An intentional foul was called on Gale with less than a minute to play and Baron sunk that pair of free throws, plus two more after a foul by Nadia Duncan.

Scott was fouled beyond the arc and hit all three free throws to put La Salle within three at 43-40 with 10.2 seconds remaining in the game.  Penn was forced to call its last timeout during its first inbounds attempt, but was able to get the ball in and sealed the contest with a pair of free throws.

For the Quakers, Baron finished the night with 17 points, while Knapp had 13.

La Salle trailed 8-7 at the midpoint of the first half after Baron knocked down a trey, the first points of the contest for the Penn player who averages 15.5 per game.

The Quakers then went on a 13-4 run to close out the half.  The Explorers shot just .115 in the first and .190 for the game.

La Salle returns home to the Tom Gola Arena to face Duquesne in Atlantic 10 play on Saturday at 2:00 p.m.