First round action from the A10 Tournament at Capital One Arena. La Salle in a sweep. Rhode Island survived.
La Salle 63 Saint Joseph’s 56
Possessions: 68
Offensive efficiency: La Salle 93, Saint Joseph’s 82
Four straight for the Explorers, gaining a three game sweep over Big Five rival Saint Joseph’s in the process. Jack Clark paced the attack with a 20 point, 13 rebound double-double. Charles Coleman led the Hawks with 18. Ojike Obinna also posted a double-double. Obinna had an impressive 14 point, 14 board double-double for Billy Lange’s club. La Salle moves on to face Saint Louis tomorrow.
Rhode Island 79 Duquesne 77
Possessions: 73
Offensive efficiency: Rhode Island 108, Duquesne 105
Survive and advance. Rhode Island did just that to earn a second round meeting tomorrow against Richmond. David Cox’s Rams were forced into a 26% turnover rate by Duquesne. Not a primarily strong outside team, the Rams canned 10 of 20 for 50% beyond the arc. Antwan Walker paced the 15-15 Rams with 17 points. Amir Spears led all scorers with 30, Kevin Easley added 20 for the 6-24 Dukes. The good news for Keith Dambrot’s group, Spears is a freshman, Easley a sophomore.
