PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle women's basketball team (7-13, 2-5 A-10) used a huge second half to defeat VCU 62-57 (4-15, 1-6) on Thursday afternoon at the TruMark Financial Center at Tom Gola Arena.

The Explorers used a 14-0 run spanning the 3^rd and 4^th quarters to flip an eight-point deficit into a 44-38 lead with 9:47 left in regulation. La Salle held the Rams scoreless from the 4:57 mark in the 3^rd until a layup at the 9:01 mark in the 4^th. 

Amy Griffin had a game-high 26 points, including 17 points in the first half to help keep the Explorers within striking distance. Adreana Miller added 16 points and Sofi Ngwafang chipped in 10 points off the bench, including eight points during La Salle's pivotal 3^rd quarter.  

The Rams answered La Salle's 17-2 run, which put the Explorers up 47-40, with five straight points to cut the lead to 47-45. Miller was instrumental in keeping La Salle in front over the final 10 minutes, scoring 10 of her 16 points in the 4^th quarter as the Explorers held off the VCU comeback attempt.  

Ashanti Freeland had a team-high eight rebounds while Griffin and Miller each grabbed seven boards. The Explorers were able to convert 10 offensive rebounds into nine second chance points.

The Explorers are home again this weekend as they host the Saint Joseph's Hawks on Sunday afternoon for a Big 5 rivalry game. Tipoff is set for 1 p.m. 

As part of La Salle's annual Kids Game, the Explorers welcomed almost 1,400 students from the following local schools:

Logan Elementary 
Francis D. Pastorius Elementary
Harrity Elementary
John Wister Elementary 
Smedley Elementary 
Jay Cooke Elementary 
Westwood School 
St. Athanasius Elementary
Dr. Ethel D. Allen School 
The Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School 
Roosevelt Elementary  
The Cleo Vaughn Sports Group