Watch CBS News

Basketball: La Salle Welcomes James Madison to Gola Arena on Saturday

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After that tough, 76-69 overtime loss to Villanova on Tuesday night, La Salle University will look to bounce back on Saturday as they host James Madison at Gola Arena.

Despite that loss, which dropped the Explorers to 1-1, head coach Dr. John Giannini says his squad is coming together.

"So far I, very much like our team, I like our role definition.  I thought I would, and the games have shown that.  I especially like our commitment to defense, but that's something that needs to be a long-term commitment, so hopefully we will continue that.  And if we do, I think we could do a lot of good things."

Hear Matt Leon's full interview with Coach John Giannini in this CBS Philly SportsPod...

Podcast

Click to download the podcast

James Madison comes to town fresh off a season-opening 82-73 win over Canisius on Sunday, and the Dukes definitely have Giannini's attention.

"This is a winning program, and they have some very good returning players," Giannini says.  "They can really score.  They are very talented.  The CAA has become a legit league on the national level, and they are picked as one of the top teams in the CAA, so that says enough right there."

James Madison returns four starters from last year's team.

La Salle has won five of the six meetings, all time, between these two schools.

Tipoff on Saturday is set for 3:30pm.

Reported by Matt Leon, KYW Newsradio 1060


More CBS Philly Sports News

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.