Three keys for La Salle, which faces VCU in the A-10 women’s tourney
From the standpoint of a dream first matchup in this year’s Atlantic 10 women’s tournament, it’s possible La Salle couldn’t have one picked better. It’s been a rough season for the No. 14 seeded Explorers, who head into Wednesday’s first round against No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth (5 p.m., ESPN+).
From the standpoint of a dream first matchup in this year’s Atlantic 10 women’s tournament, it’s possible La Salle couldn’t have one picked better. It’s been a rough season for the No. 14 seeded Explorers, who head into Wednesday’s first round against No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth (5 p.m., ESPN+).
Running it back ...
It’s a very good thing because La Salle (9-22, 3-15 A-10) played VCU (12-18, 6-12) on Saturday, celebrating a narrow 61-60 win at home behind a 21-point fourth-quarter outburst.
Now, the two teams run it back for a chance to head into the second-round play on Thursday, where No. 6 seed Dayton awaits. Here are three keys to victory for the Explorers if they plan to make it to Day 2 — and beyond.
1. Give it to Aryss ... often
Aryss Macktoon (right) has been one of the consummate highlights in an otherwise rough season for La Salle. She ranks second on the Explorers with 10.5 points per game and leads the team in rebounds with 5.1 per game.
1. Give it to Aryss ... often
Aryss Macktoon (right) has been one of the consummate highlights in an otherwise rough season for La Salle. She ranks second on the Explorers with 10.5 points per game and leads the team in rebounds with 5.1 per game.
2. Shoot better
The one stat La Salle has struggled with all season is one that could will them to a favorable margin of victory over VCU. The Explorers rank 14th out of 15 teams in the A-10 with a field goal percentage of just 37.1%.
2. Shoot better
The one stat La Salle has struggled with all season is one that could will them to a favorable margin of victory over VCU. The Explorers rank 14th out of 15 teams in the A-10 with a field goal percentage of just 37.1%.
Against VCU in the regular-season finale, La Salle made 10 of 15 foul shots, going 5 of 8 in the fourth quarter when they mattered most.
Against VCU in the regular-season finale, La Salle made 10 of 15 foul shots, going 5 of 8 in the fourth quarter when they mattered most.
3. Dominate the glass
The Explorers rank second in the conference in total rebounds (1,170) and third in offensive rebounds with 12.9 per game this season. In the conference tourney, a little bully ball under the boards can never hurt.
3. Dominate the glass
The Explorers rank second in the conference in total rebounds (1,170) and third in offensive rebounds with 12.9 per game this season. In the conference tourney, a little bully ball under the boards can never hurt.