BROOKLYN, N.Y.- The La Salle men's basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament thanks to a 76-69 win over Massachusetts on Thursday afternoon. The Explorers advance to face the top seed Davidson tomorrow at noon.
 
Redshirt sophomore Jordan Price tied the La Salle Atlantic 10 Tournament record with 28 points to lead the Explorers. Price shot 6-16 from the field and 14-18 from the free throw line, including 10 free throws in the second half to help La Salle close out the win. The 28 ties Price with Rasual Butler and Mike Cleaves who each went for 28 in the 2002 tournament in the semifinals against Richmond and quarterfinals against St. Joes respectively.
 
"First and foremost, we gave great effort," added Coach Giannini. "That shows up defensively.  We were strong and tough with the ball, only eight turnovers."
 
Massachusetts built a nine point first half lead and led for 13:10 of the first period. The Explorers erased that lead before the half though. La Salle regained the lead after senior Steve Zack hit a hook shot to make it 29-28 with 1:40 remaining in the half. Zack's classmate, D.J. Peterson added a jumper to give the Explorers a 31-30 advantage heading into the half.
 
The Explorers were able to take care of the ball in the first half, turning the ball over just two times and going 24 straight possessions to close out the half without a giveaway.
 
The Minutemen used an 8-0 in the first 2:17 of the second half to regain the lead at 38-33.
 
Between 13:05 and 10:30 the Explorers went on their own 9-0 run to regain the lead at 49-45, which they would never concede. The nine point run featured a pair of free throws seniors Jerrell Wright and Steve Zack and sophomore Cleon Roberts hitting two free throws as well as a three pointer. This stretch was part of a larger 18-4 run for the Explorers that saw their lead swell to 58-49 with 6:43 left following a Khalid Lewis layup.
 
UMass tighten things to a one possession game and the two teams traded baskets until a Donte Clark three for the Minutemen made it a one point game at 34-63 with 2:05 remaining. However, Khalid Lewis would answer with his own three the next possession to expand the lead back to four.
 
La Salle would shoot 9-10 from the free throw line in the final 1:04 of the game to help seal the victory.
 
Steve Zack finished with 13 rebounds and 12 assists for his fourth double-double of the season. Zack also finished with a game high three blocks to help spearhead the Explorers defensive effort that forced 11 Massachusetts turnovers in addition to six team blocks.
 
"Steve gave us great leadership and rebounded the ball wonderfully," said Giannini. "He had zero turnovers, and guarding Maxie Esho especially well, who is a terrific player.  If you look at defense, rebound and passing, it's hard to play much better than what Steve did today."
 
The Explorers return to action tomorrow as they face off against top ranked Davidson with tip slated for noon on NBCSN.
 
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