Men’s Basketball Defeats La Salle for First A10 Win of the Season

The Ramblers gained their first Atlantic 10  win of the season 79-68 over La Salle University Jan. 8. Third-year guard Jayden Dawson and graduate guard Sheldon Edwards Jr. led the Ramblers with 20 points each. Graduate guard Corey McKeithan carried the Explorers with 24 points. 

The game’s first points were scored by La Salle’s graduate forward Jahlil White. After, Fourth-year Loyola guard Des Waston hit a single free throw, and graduate Explorer guard Corey McKeithan hit a three-pointer to make it 5-1. 

Edwards Jr. responded with a 3-pointer before McKeithan hit another jumper to bring it to 7-4.

Three straight scoring plays — layups by third-year guard Jalen Quinn and fourth-year forward Jalen DeLoach — gave the Ramblers their first lead of the game 8-7. After strong defense on La Salle’s side, the Ramblers added a 3-pointer courtesy of Watson.

A successful trip to the line by Edwards Jr. and a layup from DeLoach extended the 15-9 lead, minimizing a jumpshot from La Salle’s third-year forward Demetrius Lilley

Back-to-back jumpers from McKeithan and third-year guard Jayden Dawson made the score 19-12. After a step-back from McKeithan, a media timeout commenced with the Ramblers up 21-16 

Out of the timeout, McKeithan sunk three free throws before Quinn responded with a jumper.

McKeithan hit a 3-pointer before a dunk by second-year center Miles Rubin maintained Loyola’s 25-22 lead.

A 3-pointer from Dawson continued the five-point run, before fourth-year Explorer guard Daeshon Shepherd combatted it within one of his own, closing the gap to 28-25. 

Second-year Explorer guard Eric Acker gained a layup, while DeLoach converted a hook shot and Watson added a layup, making the Rambler lead 34-28. 

Nearing the end of the half, Quinn hit a free throw, before a three-minute drought ensued. Acker broke the dry spell, with a jumper, and the Explorers continued to push offensively, leading Loyola to call timeout. 

The Ramblers closed out the half with a step back from Dawson giving them a 40-32 lead. 

Loyola opened up the second half with back-to-back two pointers, including a layup and a dunk by Deloach and Rubin. The Explorers responded with two layups of their own from White and Lilley 

After two offensive rebounds, Watson sank a three pointer extending the Rambler lead to 50-41.

After back-to-back layups from Deloach and McKeithan, a dunk from White and an Acker jumper closed in on Loyola’s 52-47 lead. 

Dawson rebutted with a three-point play for the Ramblers. Acker sunk a 3-pointer for La Salle to make it a five point game before Loyola called timeout. 

Out of the timeout, White was fouled and hit both free throws. Edwards Jr. hit a three before White responded with a layup to make it 60-54 

Over the following possessions, La Salle scored six points – four from White and two from Acker – while Edwards Jr. recorded another three to put Loyola’s lead back at 10.

Quinn converted on two free throws, before two points from Edwards Jr. and a 3-pointer from McKeithan made it a 72-61 game.

Back-and-forth layups by both teams brought the score to 74-63. Two free throw points from Edwards Jr. extended Loyola’s lead, while La Salle pushed back with a layup by Jones. 

Dawson and Quinn combined for three points, rendering White’s 3-pointer — the final score of the game — obsolete. With the 79-68 win, the Ramblers ended an extended four-game losing streak.

Head coach Drew Valentine said he was proud of the smart and efficient play the team engaged in during the game. 

“The number one thing we needed to do tonight was take care of the ball,” Valentine said. “We only had 10 turnovers, which was extremely important. Players made plays tonight, too. Jayden, Quinn, DeLoach and Sheldon, they all made plays and made us look smart. I’m proud of our guys. We had our backs against a wall and needed a win. They had great energy, and I am proud.”

Next up, the Ramblers will take on The University of Rhode Island Jan. 15 at 8 p.m. in Gentile Arena. Streaming will be available through ESPN+.