DAVIDSON, N.C. - La Salle sophomore Yevgen Sakhniuk scored a career-high 20 points in his first action since December 22 but the Explorers fell at Davidson, 79-66, on Wednesday night at Belk Arena. Sakhniuk shot 9-for-11 from the field in 23 minutes of action.
 
"Yevgen was just amazing for someone that hasn't played in a few months," head coach Dr. John Giannini said. "It really shows that a lot of his issues early on were physical."
 
Sakhniuk displayed his varied arsenal of low-post moves to score 14 points in the first half alone. His previous career-high was 11 points in the season opener versus Towson.
 
"Our training staff has done a great job just getting him to feel better. He played with energy that frankly I haven't seen him have since 12 months ago. It's just terrific to see his talent come out and to think of what he could mean to our future if he continues to feel well. "
 
Junior Jordan Price had 15 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Blue and Gold. 
 
Davidson came in as the league's top offense at 80.2 points per game and La Salle was able to hold them just under its average. The Wildcats also boast the A-10's top scorer, Jack Gibbs, who was held to only eight points. He came into the game averaging 25.5. ppg.
 
"In my opinion there is no one harder to guard in America than Davidson," Giannini said. "The fact that they have multiple shooters on the floor at all times and the fact that their offense is so hard to guard makes it really hard to get stops. Playing them makes you better.
 
Davidson (14-8, 6-5 A-10) was led by Brian Sullivan, who scored 20 points on six three-pointers. Peyton Aldridge added 13 points and 10 boards, while Jordan Barham came off the bench for 12.
 
Tony Washington was the third player in double-figures for La Salle with 11 points.
 
The Explorers shot a season-best percentage from the floor (54.3) and Sakniuk improved his impressive shooting percentage to .756 this season.
 
The game was close with Davidson holding a 20-19 lead with 7:58 before intermission. But the hosts went on a 13-2 run over the next four minutes to open up a double-digit lead.
 
La Salle drew within seven at the half (38-31) and five after a Washington lay-up opened up play in the second half. The Wildcats answered with a 11-2 spurt thanks to three Sullivan triples to extend the advantage to 14. The defeicit would remain double-digits the rest of the way for the Blue and Gold.
 
The Explorers (5-17, 1-10 A-10) head to Saint Joseph's on Saturday at 8 PM. The game will be produced by the American Sports Network and carried locally by Comcast SportsNet.