La Salle Survives Homecoming Upset Bid by Albany

By: Ethan Hennessy

Philadelphia Pennsylvania

After falling to Sacred Heart at home on opening night the La Salle Explorers were looking to get in the win column for the first time in the 2021-22 season on Saturday against the Albany Great Danes.

The game served as homecoming for the North Philadelphia school. One of the cooler offseason additions to any college basketball arena in my opinion was the large neon L along the baseline at Tom Gola Arena. It is a throwback to La Salle’s old logo. A special guest lights it before every home game, and if the explorers win it flashes after the game. On Saturday they welcomed explorer legend and former NBA player Lionel Simmons back for the ceremonial lighting of the L.

La Salle might have to adopt the nickname “Charge U” as the explorers were stepping up and drawing many charges throughout the game. That contributed to 26 team turnovers and nine offensive fouls by the Albany Great Danes.

Despite leading 36 to 23 at halftime La Salle was unable to shut the door in the second half. Albany outscored them 41-31 in the second half and mounted a ferocious comeback that ultimately fell just short 67-64. It was balanced scoring for La Salle with no player scoring more than 12 points and six players scoring at least eight. On the other hand for Albany De’Vondre Perry had 18 points.