Box Score  | Box Score (PDF)

DAYTON, Ohio – La Salle got off to a strong start, leading 17-7 more than midway through the first half but the Dayton Flyers took control of the contest and secured a 65-53 victory over the Explorers at UD Arena on Wednesday night.
 
Junior Jerrell Wright led the Blue and Gold with 15 points, 11 coming in the second half. Senior Tyreek Duren added 13 points while junior Steve Zack had a team-best 10 rebounds.
 
"Because I like our players personally and because we have so many players back, I'm shocked beyond words at the different type of team we've become," head coach Dr. John Giannini said.
 
Playing at UD Arena, where last year's run to the Sweet 16 began with a First Four win over Boise State, the Explorers used five points from Duren and four from Wright to lead by 10 with 8:57 before intermission. Neither team was real sharp, despite the early lead, but La Salle held Dayton to 3-for-16 shooting during the early going.
 
The Flyers (18-8, 6-5 A-10), winners of five straight and looking to make a run for an NCAA bid, then went on a 20-4 run to end the half with a 27-21 advantage. Matt Kavanaugh, who had 16 points, scored eight during the run.
 
Jordan Sibert led the way with 17 points while Devin Oliver had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
 
In the second half, La Salle was able to cut the lead to 40-38 with 13:57 to play but a turnover and four missed shots allowed the Flyers to maintain control.
 
After getting down by nine on two occasions, the Explorers got it to 54-49 with five minutes to play but would get no closer as UD finished the game on a 12-4 spurt.
 
La Salle (12-13, 4-7 A-10) visits Richmond on Saturday at 4 PM on CBS Sports Network.