Feb. 12, 2011

Box Score

OLEAN, NY - St. Bonaventure held La Salle to a season-low in points and field goal percentage to defeat the Explorers, 82-61, on Saturday at the Reilly Center. Sophomore Aaric Murray had a team-high 20 points and added seven rebounds and five blocks.

"There's no question that St. Bonaventure was a better defensive team, a better rebounding team, and a more physical team," head coach Dr. John Giannini said. "They were better than us in every area of the game."

Murray was the only Explorer in double-figures and was forced to fight hard for every shot. Senior Ruben Guillandeaux and freshman Sam Mills added nine points off the bench for La Salle.

Junior Andrew Nicholson proved why he is one of the top players in the Atlantic 10. He scored 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting, despite being double-teamed every time he touched the ball on the block.

He was aided by Marquise Simmons, who added a career-high 18 points and Demitirius Conger, who chipped in with 15, including 13 of the first 15 Bonnies points in the second half.

La Salle struggled from the field, shooting 32%, but committed a season-low 10 turnovers.

The Bonnies (13-10, 5-5 A-10), who have won three of four including last Saturday's last second win over then-first place Duquesne, started to break away late in the first half. Leading 15-13 with 12:11 to play, SBU went on a 11-2 run over the next five minutes to make it 26-15.

The lead remained in double-digits until a three by Mills made it 47-41 with 13:04 to play. But the Bonnies put any hope of a comeback away with a 16-6 spurt that put the game away.

La Salle (12-14, 4-7 A-10) will have a week off before hosting George Washington on Saturday at 7 PM. The game will be broadcast locally on ComcastSportsNet Philadelphia.