PHILADELPHIA - La Salle took down a ranked opponent for the third time in the past four years as the Explorers captured a 61-57 victory over #25 Dayton on Saturday at Tom Gola Arena. Redshirt junior Jordan Price had 17 points, including the 1,000th of his collegiate career, and sophomore Amar Stukes added 13.

"We beat a tremendous team," head coach Dr. John Giannini said. "You look at their ranking and its there for a reason. We are also thrilled because it has been a long time coming. This has really been a struggle for all of us, more so the players because playing is a lot harder than coaching. I am thrilled for these guys. We are going to keep competing and getting better."

Price did more than just score, as he added eight rebounds and six assists. He played all but two minutes and passed 1,000 for his career with a three-pointer late in the second half. In his past two games, he has averaged 8.5 ppg. and 5.0 apg. 

"You look at Jordan's game," Giannini added. "Eight rebounds and six assists that is a big deal. That's a really big deal. That's how you win games."

Playing with just seven available scholarship players, the Explorers slowed the pace down, often running the shot clock down to single digits before attempting a shot. The strategy worked wonders and seemed to frustrate the visiting Flyers. 

"Very few people play that way so it is unusual," Giannini said. "People like to be comfortable. Not a lot of people want to play against that. Playing that way is good for us but I am not sure it's enjoyable for opposition."

Stukes played all 40 minutes and shot 5-for-8 from the field. All five La Salle starters reached double-digits, with Johnnie Shuler scoring 11 and Tony Washington and Cleon Roberts each adding 10. 
The ranked wins in the past four years included several in the 2012-13 Sweet 16 season, including the last ranked win in Gola Arena vs. #9/9 Butler on January 20, 2013. Last season, La Salle knocked off #20/22 VCU on February 11, 2015 and today the Explorers beat the ranked Flyers. 

Dayton (12-3, 2-1 A-10) led by nine points in the early going, 13-4, at the 13:53 mark of the first half. La Salle followed with a 10-0 run to take the lead and neither team could separate late in the stanza. Two late Shuler free throws gave the Explorers a halftime advantage.

The Flyers led by seven points with 8:35 remaining. The Blue and Gold slowly chipped away before taking the lead with 4:29 left on a Shuler three. Dayton quickly regained the lead but the hosts made eight straight free throws down the stretch to capture the win.

"I think we will get some more good wins," Giannini said. "I think for as much as we have struggled the long term future here is just terrific. With kids like this and adding talent I am really excited. It feels good to get the win."

La Salle (5-8, 1-2 A-10) visits Richmond on Wednesday at 7 PM. The game will be televised on Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia.