PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle men's basketball team erased a nine point first half deficit, but a 10 point run by the hosts helped Saint Joseph's grab a 55-50 victory on Wednesday night at Hagan Arena.
 
"We just seem to be coming up a little bit short," said coach Dr. John Giannini. "We aren't quite good enough lately. We have one more chance coming up at home on senior day. The number one thing that this sport teaches you is to keep going. We will keep going."
 
Sophomore Jordan Price led all Explorers with 17 points on the evening including 14 in the second half to aid the comeback effort. The Explorers used timely three pointers to grab up to a six point second half lead.
 
Sophomore Cleon Roberts hit a jumper with 17:02 remaining to give La Salle a 28-26 lead which was their first since 2-0 early in the game. The two Big 5 rivals would trade the lead back and forth for much of the second half with the Explorers lead growing to as many as six, after Price hit a corner three to make it 39-33.
 
The host Hawks used a 10-0 run between 7:23 and 3:44 in the second half to take a 49-42 lead after they had trailed by three.
 
However, the Explorers wouldn't quit as Price hit a three from the top of the arch and three free throws to cut the lead to just one at 49-48 with 1:10 remaining.
 
Saint Joseph's senior Chris Wilson hit a corner three late in the shot clock to the break the run and give the Hawks some separation at 52-48 with 39 seconds remaining. Saint Joes would go on to hit three free throws down the stretch to close out the win.
 
With his 17 points, Price now has 516 on the year becoming the 23^rd Explorer to accomplish the feat and the first sophomore since Steven Smith had 512 points during the 2002-03 season.
 
Senior Steve Zack led the team with eight rebounds on the night which gives him 800 in his career at La Salle and moves him into tenth all-time in school history.
 
Chris Wilson led the Hawks with 22 points on 7-13 shooting and 5-9 from three point range. DeAndre Bembry was one assist shy of a triple double as he finished with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists.
 
The Explorers (15-15, 7-10 A-10) close out the regular season by hosting Dayton on Saturday at 4 p.m. on senior day for the programs three seniors. The game will be televised on CBSSN.