La Salle outclassed by South Florida following 75-50 road loss
Usually finding points from the perimeter, the Explorers shot just 23.8 percent from three-point range, falling to 8-5 on the season.
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La Salle found itself on the latter end of a 75-50 final against the South Florida. The Bulls’ superior height, shooting, and rebounding dropped the Explorers’ record to 8-5.
The nonconference tilt was just the second meeting between the programs since 1987.
Statistical leaders
Sisters Mia Jacobs (15 points) and Claire Jacobs (10) led La Salle, with Mia adding to a scoring streak, totaling 53 points over the last four games.
Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu led the Bulls (10-3) with 26 points and 12 rebounds, completing her eighth double-double of the season. Sammie Puisis (16 points), Priscilla Williams (12), and Elena Tsineke (10) all finished in double figures with Puisis making 5-of-8 from deep.
What we saw
The Explorers got off to a slow start and went scoreless for the first four minutes of the game. South Florida took advantage of La Salle’s zone defense throughout the game, making 37.9% of their shots from the perimeter.
South Florida went on a 10-0 run early in the second quarter, dominated by Mendjiadeu and Tsineke. With 3 minutes, 32 seconds left in the half, La Salle’s Charity Shears drained a three, sparking back-and-forth baskets to keep the game within reach before halftime.
However, the Explorers were unable to maintain their first-half energy, and the Bulls pulled away by removing La Salle’s greatest strength — shooting from deep — as the Explorers shot just 23.8% from three-point range.
Game-changing play
In the second half, South Florida maintained the lead, and Mendjiadeu capped a 6-0 Bulls run with a three-point play, giving them a 53-38 lead through three quarters. South Florida continued to control the game and dominated the boards, grabbing 50 rebounds to La Salle’s 27.
In the fourth quarter, the team had four offensive boards in one possession. The game ultimately ended how it started, with another three-pointer from Williams giving the Bulls their greatest lead of the game (25).
Up next
Following finals week, La Salle will face two Big 5 foes in Villanova on Wednesday (11:30 a.m., FloSports) followed by fellow and Atlantic 10 foe St. Joseph’s on Dec. 31 (2 p.m., ESPN+).