PHILADELPHIA, PA – The La Salle men's basketball team earned a 78-74 victory over St. Bonaventure in a tense Atlantic 10 conference matchup at John E. Glaser Arena on Philly Appreciation Day, improving to 6-13 overall and 2-4 in the conference.

Redshirt junior forward Jerome Brewer Jr. delivered a flawless performance, pouring in a career-high 27 points on a perfect 9-of-9 shooting night from the field, including 3-of-3 from 3-point range and a 6-for-6 effort at the free-throw line. 

Graduate student guard Jaeden Marshall added 23 points and hit a season-high five 3-pointers, including four in the first half.

Rob Dockery chipped in 10 points and a team-leading six assists to pace an explosive offensive effort while Josiah Harris also added 10 points.

In a contest defined by constant momentum swings, the Explorers and Bonnies traded the lead 10 times, with the score tied on four occasions. La Salle took a narrow 38-37 advantage into halftime, setting the stage for a nail-biting second half. With just under five minutes remaining, Dockery's driving layup pushed La Salle ahead by nine, but St. Bonaventure battled back to close the gap in the final minutes.

The game's defining moment came with 36 seconds left when Brewer Jr. drilled a clutch three-pointer off a feed from Jaden Johnson, giving La Salle vital breathing room. Johnson then calmly knocked down two free throws with eight seconds left to seal the victory, as the Explorers fended off a furious late push from the Bonnies and sent the John E. Glaser Arena crowd home celebrating.

La Salle's offense was electric, connecting on 57.1 percent (8-for-14) from beyond the arc and a perfect 20-for-20 at the free throw line.

The Explorers' depth proved decisive, as the bench outscored St. Bonaventure's reserves 27-2. La Salle held the lead for nearly 30 minutes and showcased poise in pressure moments to secure the win.

Up Next

La Salle returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 21, hosting Dayton at John E. Glaser Arena. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.