Men's Basketball | July 21, 2015

PHILADELPHIA – La Salle will open the 2015-16 men's basketball season on Saturday, November 14 by hosting Towson as part of the University's Homecoming celebration, head coach Dr. John Giannini announced today. The remainder of the non-conference schedule includes five games at Gola Arena and three at the Palestra.
 
Seven of La Salle's ten Division I non-conference opponents won at least 20 games last season, with three (Miami, Temple, Villanova) winning at least 25.
 
The Explorers have posted strong non-conference strength of schedules the past two years. Last year, the non-conference strength of schedule was 36^th nationally and in 2013-14 it was 58^th.
 
"Once again, our schedule includes numerous good teams coming off strong seasons and some great opportunities against teams that will be nationally-ranked going into the season," Giannini said. "This formula will produce another strong non-conference strength of schedule. It is our hope that we will respond to this challenge by winning enough games to have postseason opportunities."
 
Following the Towson game, the Explorers will play two more games at Gola Arena against local foes: November 17 versus Rider and November 23 against Lafayette. The Broncs won 21 games a year ago, while Lafayette won the Patriot League Championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
 
After a visit to Penn on November 25, La Salle will make a unique trip to Division III Rowan on Saturday, November 28. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of Rowan's 1996 National Championship that Giannini coached.
 
"Rowan gave me my first opportunity to be a head coach and the people and players there had an enormously positive effect on my life," Giannini said. "I look forward to a reunion of our championship team and our teams of the 1990s. This game will draw great local attention to two schools that I love."
 
Two home games against CAA foes follow on December 2 (Hofstra, 20-14 last season) and December 5 (Drexel). The Hofstra game will mark the return of former Explorer letterwinner and assistant coach Joe Mihalich. Drexel makes their first trip to Gola Arena since December 18, 2000.
 
The Blue and Gold then visit reigning Big East Champion and NCAA qualifier Villanova on Sunday, December 13. The Wildcats won 33 games last season and were a #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Nova finished with an RPI of four last season.
 
Next up is a Miami team that won 25 games and lost in the NIT Championship. The Explorers will host the Hurricanes on Tuesday, December 22 at the Palestra. Some national pundits consider Miami a preseason top 25 team.
 
La Salle will venture outside the area for the only time in non-conference play on December 31 when it travels to Florida Gulf Coast. The Eagles won 22 games and advanced to the CollegeInsider.com Tournament last season.
 
The Explorers will complete the non-conference schedule on January 20 when they take on Temple at the Palestra as part of a Big 5 doubleheader to celebrate the organization's 60^th anniversary. Penn and Saint Joseph's will also play in the doubleheader.
 
Temple won 26 games last season and advanced to the NIT Final Four at Madison Square Garden. The Owls return eight of their top 10 scorers.
 
In Atlantic 10 play, La Salle will host Dayton, Fordham, George Mason, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, St. Bonaventure, Saint Joseph's, Saint Louis and VCU.
 
Road trips include visits to Dayton, Davidson, Duquesne, Fordham, George Washington, Massachusetts, Richmond, Rhode Island and Saint Joseph's.
 
Season tickets are on sale now by calling 215-951-1999 or emailing tickets@lasalle.edu.