OLEAN, N.Y. – A 23-5 run from St. Bonaventure to end the first half broke open a close contest and helped the Bonnies to an 83-65 victory over the La Salle University men's basketball team in Atlantic 10 action on Wednesday.
 
Senior Jordan Price had a team-high 15 points while junior B.J. Johnson added 13 for the Explorers, who fell to 13-11 overall and 7-6 in A10 play.
 
Four straight points from sophomore Pookie Powell, who returned to the lineup after a six-game absence due to injury, brought the Explorers to within 28-25 with 6:51 remaining in the opening stanza. But the home team scored the next 11 points to take control.
 
Senior Denzel Gregg led the way for St. Bonaventure, scoring seven of those 11 points and registering 18 first-half points on 8-of-9 shooting. The margin grew to as many as 23 points before the Bonnies entered the locker room with a 51-30 advantage.
 
The lead remained at a comfortable margin the rest of the way for St. Bonaventure, who improved to 16-9 on the year and 8-5 against league opponents. Gregg led all scorers with a career-high 28 points.
 
Up next for the Explorers is a home matchup with Big 5 rival Saint Joseph's at Tom Gola Arena on Saturday, Feb. 18. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
 
The first 1,000 fans in attendance on Saturday will receive a free Lionel Simmons bobblehead doll, and a special ceremony honoring the 1952 and 1987 La Salle men's basketball teams will take place at halftime.