Philadelphia, PA—As if they hadn’t faced enough adversity this season, the La Salle University men’s basketball team was forced to play with only 6 scholarship athletes after starting guard Jermaine Thomas (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson) went out with a torn tendon in his left ring finger seven minutes into their game with Dayton.  The Explorers put forth a valiant effort, and despite shooting just 36% from the floor, they were within striking distance for much of the game but lost, 56-45, at Tom Gola Arena.

Steven Smith (Philadelphia, PA/Northeast) led the Explorers (7-15, 3-8) with 21 points in 40 minutes of action.  He also had two assists, two blocks, and three steals.  Darnell Harris (Baltimore, MD/St. Francis) was next with 13 points and also led the team with 5 rebounds.     

Monty Scott led Dayton with 17 points and 5 rebounds.

In the end, the game was probably decided from behind the arc, where the Flyers were 10-20 (50%) to outscore La Salle 30-9.  The Explorers forced 20 Dayton turnovers, but also committed 17 of their own, many in the crucial opening moments of the second half when the Flyers pulled away.     

The Explorers were cold in the first half, shooting just 7-20 (35%), but stayed in the game by causing 12 Dayton turnovers.  Darnell Harris elevated for an elbow jumper in the closing seconds to bring La Salle within four, 26-22, at halftime.    

This was the Flyers’ 11^th consecutive victory over La Salle.

Thomas' status was not immediately clear.  He will be evaluated early in the week. 

The Explorers will continue their Atlantic 10 schedule on Tuesday, February 15^th when they travel to Rhode Island.  The game is scheduled for 7:30 P.M..