Philadelphia, PA - The La Salle women's basketball team returns to action Wednesday morning as the Explorers host Saint Louis for Kid's Day at John E. Glaser Arena, looking to snap a losing streak for the first time this season.
Scouting the Billikens
Saint Louis enters the matchup 2-3 in Atlantic 10 play after three straight losses to Davidson, VCU, and at Loyola Chicago. The Billikens scored just 39 points against VCU last Wednesday, marking their lowest output in a game since a 69-38 loss at Saint Joseph's on January 20, 2013. Freshman 6'6 center Alyssa Koerkenmeier matches Faith Wylder of Mississippi State as the tallest opponent La Salle has faced this season. The St. Rose, IL native ranks top-five in the Atlantic 10 in rebounds (8.4) and blocks (2.1) while leading her team in field goal percentage (57.3%). She scored a team-high 14 points, including a career-best six free throws, in the loss at Loyola Chicago, adding four blocks.
La Salle and Saint Louis have met 21 times since the 2005–06 season, with the Billikens holding a 13–8 advantage. Despite last season's loss, Explorer alum Jolene Armendariz scored 20 points on six three-pointers on the road against Saint Louis.
Are You Ready, Kids?
The Explorers have already played two early "Kid's Games" on the road this season, dropping one at Temple and defeating Delaware in the other. Aryss Macktoon, Ashleigh Connor, and Kiara Williams each scored in double figures in both contests.
Stealing the Show
Aryss Macktoon ranks top-10 nationally and leads the Atlantic 10 with 59 steals this season. She has recorded at least one steal in every game and multiple steals in all but one. Teammates Joan Quinn and Ashleigh Connor also rank among the conference's top-10 in steals, anchoring a La Salle defense that continues to pressure opponents and force turnovers.
The Q Factor
Joan Quinn sparked a 24-8 run in the third quarter of La Salle's loss at Saint Joseph's with three three-pointers, briefly giving the Explorers the lead. La Salle is 6-1 when Quinn scores in double figures, as the preseason All-Conference selection averages 10.0 points, 2.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
15 + 15 = W
When Ashleigh Connor and Aryss Macktoon each score 15 or more points, the Explorers are undefeated, with wins over Loyola (MD), Lehigh, West Chester, and George Washington. Both rank top-10 in the Atlantic 10 in scoring and steals.
IV "ON" A
Senior Ivona Miljanic ranks 11th in the Atlantic 10 in three-point percentage (37.5%) and 18th in three-pointers made (21). La Salle is 6–3 in games where Miljanic hits at least one triple.
The Ki to Success
Kiara Williams set a career high with four steals in the win at Fordham while adding 14 points and a team-high seven rebounds. The Explorers are 3-0 when Williams records multiple steals and 7-1 when she posts multiple assists.
