PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle men's basketball team will play the second of its three-game homestand this Wednesday as the Explorers play host to the Fordham Rams. La Salle will also host Dollar Dog Night. All hot dogs will be priced for $1. Additionally, fans can purchase a meal deal for $5 which includes a hot dog, chips, and a soda.
The game will be broadcast on Peacock, with a 7 p.m. tip time. The game audio will also be streamed with Kale Beers providing play-by-play. Additionally, Explorers fans can follow the team on X/Twitter @LaSalle_MBB and Instagram @LaSalleMBB.
LAST TIME OUT - LA SALLE 70, RHODE ISLAND 64
- At the conclusion of a back-and-forth first half, La Salle led 33-31 at halftime.
- The second half was a battle featuring eight lead changes, six ties, and 27 free throws. The game was tied with 6:31 remaining, but the Explorers knocked down their free throws and played tough defense to secure the win.
- Four players scored in double figures, including Daeshon Shepherd, who recorded the first double-double by an Explorer since Jahlil White against Drexel, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
NEWS AND NOTES
- Ball possession has become a key component of the La Salle attack. La Salle is averaging the most possessions per contest of any Fran Dunphy team in the KenPom era, while also limiting turnovers.
- Rebounding has been established as the Explorers' calling card this season. La Salle ranks fourth in the A-10 in rebounding (38.6), its most rebounds per game since 1990-91 (40.2). The Explorers check in at 54th nationally in the category. After the Immaculata game on Dec. 21, the Explorers have recorded two games with over 50 rebounds for the first time since 2011 (4).
- Corey McKeithan leads La Salle in scoring with 15.7 points, good for 12th in the conference. McKeithan scored 20-plus points for the seventh time this season. He tied his career-high with six made free throws against the Rams.
- Demetrius Lilley is pulling down 7.1 boards per game, ranking 9th in the Atlantic-10. Lilley is in the midst of the best rebounding season by an Explorer since Ed Croswell in 2019-20.
- Shepherd is second on the team in scoring, adding 11.3 points per game. He has scored in double-figures in 14 of the Explorers' 20 games. His double-double is the fourth in his career. He set season highs in rebounds and minutes against Rhode Island. He has grabbed seven or more rebounds in three straight games.
- Jones has dazzled in his rookie campaign. He became the first Explorer to win Rookie of the Week four times in the same season since 2002-03 when Gary Neal accomplished the same feat. Jones leads the A-10 in assists amongst freshmen (2.5 apg) and is second in scoring (10.8 ppg).
- Jahlil White rounds out the starting five. The graduate transfer from Temple is averaging 9.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
- Eric Acker has made a large impact off the bench after sitting out the first 10 games of the season. He is adding 8.0 points per game through his first nine games.
SCOUTING FORDHAM
- Fordham is 9-11 overall and 1-6 in the Atlantic-10. The squad most recently claimed its first conference win against Duquesne, 65-63.
- Jackie Johnson III leads the team with 18.6 points per game. He returns to the A-10 after spending the last two seasons and UNLV, he began his career at Duquesne.
- Keith Urgo leads the Rams in his 4th season, and third as head coach. He previously served time as associate head coach under Kyle Neptune. He is 47-39 during his tenure in The Bronx.
SERIES HISTORY AGAINST FORDHAM
- The Explorers hold a 45-21 advantage in the all-time series.
- La Salle came out on top last battle at Rose Hill, winning 81-76.
