By Justin Walters
Collegian Editor
Just as Head Coach Jeff Williams vowed to at the beginning of his second season at La Salle, January would be when his squad would be ready to go. And their record this month has greatly demonstrated his every word.
During the winter break, the women’s basketball team compiled an impressive six game winning streak while staying undefeated in A-10 play. With notable victories over conference opponents such as Xavier and St. Louis, the Explorers took their talents on the road to Charlotte.
The Blue and Gold weren’t the only hot team at the time as the 49ers were currently cruising on a five game winning streak after snapping Xavier’s 29-game A-10 regular-season winning streak. With two of the three remaining unbeaten squads in Atlantic 10 playing head-to-head, it was sure to be an electrifying contest.
In the first half, it was clear as to why both teams were undefeated. The teams traded baskets back and forth in route to several lead changes.
La Salle was the first to gain a slight edge with a 26-19 lead after a connection from long range from sophomore Michea Bryant. Charlotte hastily retaliated with an 18-8 run of their own, pushing the score to 37-33, but the Explorers were able to squeeze two field goals in the last minute making the score even at the half.
In the second half, the script would favor the home team. After clinging to a 15-2 run, the Explorers would ultimately see the hopes of a seventh straight win fade away. Unable to regain the lead, La Salle would also record their first loss in conference play after their 77-66 defeat.
Despite the loss, freshman Jada Payne manufactured a game-best 18 points while junior Alexis Scott added 16.
Unfortunately for La Salle, their following road game would bear a resemblance to their previous one. In a matchup against Richmond, the Explorers stayed close throughout. Despite letting the Spiders use a 13-4 run to close the half, La Salle was well within reach of coming back.
Entering the second half, it was all Blue and Gold in the early beginnings. With the first nine points of the half to cut the deficit to one, La Salle appeared to be in a groove. After eventually recapturing the lead, the Explorers would be shackled by late minute miscues. The Spiders would eventually seal the deal after two free throws to hand La Salle their second straight conference loss.
In the 74-70 loss, Payne once again shined with her second straight career best with 24 points. After two straight astonishing performances, Jada Payne surely will be needed to have a third straight against their next adversary, No. 20-ranked St. Bonaventure.
“She [Payne] has the ability to make big plays,” Williams stated about the sensational first year player.
Even with the two recent loses to break their winning streak, the young and inexperienced Explorers have fared well against every opponent. Mind you that more than half of this unit has never played with each other. From the redshirt junior Brittany Wilson to freshman Ruvanna Campbell, the new faces under the helm of Williams are meshing well together.
Williams’ team already stands at 9-11 this year which is one win away from tying last year’s record during his premiere season at Tom Gola.
With less than 10 games left in the season, this team is bound for success if they keep up their recent flair. One game at a time will be the formula advocated by Williams as they will have their hands full on Saturday against St. Bonaventure.
St. Bonaventure, who stands at 18-2, just recently climbed up into the national rankings. La Salle understands that this is one of their most formidable opponents, who have already beaten several teams that got the best of them. Charlotte, Richmond, West Virginia and St. Johns to name a few.
Win or lose this upcoming weekend, one thing for sure is that Williams’ team is geared up to make noise in the A-10 this season.
waltersj1@student.lasalle.edu
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