Ritchie's Pregame - LaSalle

The Niners make their first trip to Philadelphia this season on Wednesday to take on the LaSalle Explorers. Charlotte is on fire with a 4 game win streak and a 2-0 start in the A10, but LaSalle is doing the same, starting 2-0 in A10 play.

While Charlotte is 9-5 and LaSalle is 10-2, the Niners should feel confident that they are more prepared. Charlotte’s two A10 wins were against Dayton (Pomeroy 112, RPI 171) and Rhode Island (Pomeroy 142, RPI 132), while LaSalle was victorious vs. Duquesne (Pomeroy 309 , RPI 312) and Richmond (Pomeroy 247 , RPI 191)

Charlotte is currently ranked 116^th in Pomeroy.com power rankings while LaSalle is ranked 67^th. However, over the last 5 games the Niners are ranked 84^th while LaSalle is ranked 158^th.

LaSalle is 5-1 in Home games this season with no quality home opponents of note. However the Explorers have played at Drexel (W 62-50) and #3 Villanova (L 98-57).

LaSalle averages 2,602 people in attendance at home games.

The team is led in scoring by Senior Steven Smith, an amazing scorer that is shooting 49% on the season. Smith also leads the team in rebounding, steals, minutes, FTs, and turnovers. Smith is 2^nd on the team in assists and blocks.

To say LaSalle is a one man team is a bit of an understatement. Steven Smith does everything for this team, including single handedly beating Central Connecticut State in 4OT this season where he recorded 41 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals where he lead the team in every category.

But saying LaSalle is a one man team does not mean the Niners should take the Explorers lightly. The team is packed with freshmen that are learning quick and two Explorer freshmen have earned consecutive A10 rookie of the week honors, Paul Johnson and Marshall Taylor.

If the Niners limit Smith to less than 20 points and less than 10 rebounds, they should be able to win the game if the strong perimeter shooting and inside attack of the four-game win streak holds up.