NEWS

Bobby Durkin

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Despite building a 17-point lead in the first half, Davidson suffered a 79-76 setback at La Salle Wednesday evening in Atlantic 10 men’s basketball action inside John Glaser Arena.

The Wildcats, who finished shooting 48.5 percent, including 10 3-pointers, fall to 12-5 overall and 2-2 in league play.

Reed Bailey (21), Bobby Durkin (20) and Connor Kochera (14) scored in double figures for Davidson.

Deuce Jones led the way for the Explorers with a game-high 23 points, while Daeshon Shepherd added 19.

For the second time in as many contests, Davidson stormed out of the gates, this time racing out to a 20-7 advantage. The lead would grow to as many as 17, 36-19, in the first 20 minutes, before the Explorers closed on a 14-5 run to cut the deficit to 41-33 at the half.

La Salle (10-7, 2-2 A-10) would carry its momentum into the second half using a 19-2 run midway through the period to take its first lead of the night. During the Explorer’s game-changing streak, Davidson went almost seven minutes without scoring and never fully closed the gap.

The Explorers got to the free throw line 23 times, making 16. Davidson went just 6-of-8 at the charity stripe.

Up Next
Davidson will conclude its two-game road trip Saturday at Rhode Island.