KINGSTON, R.I. – Senior
Shalina Miller led the La Salle women's basketball team (12-15, 6-8 A-10) to a dominant defensive performance over Rhode Island (13-13, 6-8 A-10) to pick up a 54-42 win on Saturday afternoon. Defensively, the Explorers gave up a season best 42 points, including 15 second half points.
Leading up to Saturday's game, Rhode Island was averaging 64.9 ppg and 61.8 in league play. The Blue & Gold also held its opponent to just 27.3% (15-of-55) from the field and 6.3% (1-for-16) from long range. In the second half, La Salle allowed just four field goals (4-of-27) for 14.8%.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The first frame was a back and forth affair. Both teams traded baskets for the first 5:06 before the media stoppage with Rhody on top 8-7. The Rams continued to hold a slight lead at the end of the period, 13-11. Freshman Jordon Lewis had a team high five points in the frame.
- La Salle scored the first four points of the second to take the lead. Rhode Island responded with a 9-0 run over a 1:23 span, which forced an Explorers' timeout. The Blue & Gold pulled within one possession after it outscored the home squad 10-5 through the remainder of the period.
- The Blue & Gold held the upper hand with a 10-3 margin to open the third stanza. La Salle's defense held firm to hold the Rams scoreless for a 2:33 span on 0-for-5 shooting for a 35-30 lead through the first 4:18. La Salle remained in front by six after holding a one point scoring advantage in the remaining minutes. Sophomore Kayla Spruill hit a pair of threes to help extend the lead.
- La Salle continued to pull away in the final quarter with an 8-2 advantage through the first 5:51 to push its lead to 12 points. Defensively, the Explorers kept the Rams out of the basket over the final 2:26 of that time frame. The squads traded the last eight points of the game. La Salle held Rhody without a basket in the final period on 0-of-8 shooting.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Miller finished with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks. The senior was 4-of-7 from the floor with 10 defensive boards.
- Rookie Claire Jacobs had a team high 12 points.
- La Salle shot 50% from the field in the second half (12-of-14).
GAME NOTES:
- This is Miller's 20th game this season with two or more blocks, seventh with four or more, and sixth with five or more.
- It's also the senior's second double-double of the year.
- Rhody's 15 second half points and 42 overall are both season bests by the La Salle defense.
UP NEXT:
La Salle takes on Davidson for its annual Kids Day Game at Tom Gola Arena on Wednesday at 11 a.m.
