Men's Basketball | December 15, 2017

PHILADELPHIA - The La Salle University men's basketball team returns from its longest break of the year to host Mercer at Tom Gola Arena at TruMark Financial Center on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m., with a number of holiday promotions scheduled for pregame and throughout the contest. The game will air live on the Atlantic 10 Digital Network, with Kale Beers and Rich Prendergast bringing you all the action.

NEWS & NOTES
•The week-long layoff followed a 77-68 loss to Big 5 rival Villanova, who was ranked #4 at the time of the game but has ascended to the top spot of the most recent Associated Press Top 25 Poll.
•The Explorers fought the Wildcats tooth and nail until the final buzzer, pulling to within 72-68 at the 1:03 mark of the second half following a jumper from Pookie Powell.
•The final margin of defeat was the smallest of any Big 5 team against Villanova over its current 22-game Big 5 winning streak (dating back to 12/5/12).
•Senior B.J. Johnson scored 21 points and added seven rebounds to lead La Salle, while graduate student Amar Stukes registered a career-high four three-pointers en route to 16 points.
•La Salle compiled more field goals, three-point field goals and shot higher percentages from the field and from three than Villanova but the Wildcats held a 35-5 advantage on free throw attempts.
•Powell had a season-high six assists in the game while tallying 12 points.
•Sophomore Isiah Deas had nine points off the bench for the Explorers and is averaging 10.0 points over his last five games.

SCOUTING MERCER
•Mercer most recently defeated Florida A&M, 82-64, on Dec. 9, to improve its record to 6-4 on the year.
•The Bears have suffered four losses to Memphis, Tennessee, UCF and Colorado.
•Ria'n Holland went for 24 points including 6-of-8 shooting from three-point range to lead three players in double figures.
•Jordan Strawberry had 12 points while Stephon Jelks nearly had a triple double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
•Holland missed three games due to a sprained ankle but made his return against the Rattlers.
•Mercer ranks second in the Southern Conference in scoring at 79.9 points per game and third in points allowed per game (65.9).