By Matt Leon

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The La Salle Explorers have dropped back-to-back games for just the second time this season, after losing to Temple on Wednesday.  They will try to get back on the winning track on Saturday, hosting Rhode Island at Gola Arena.

Explorers’ head coach Dr. John Giannini says the loss to the Owls was a tough one.

“We really didn’t defend as well as we have been,” he told KYW Newsradio.  “We don’t feel good about that, but Temple had a lot to do about that.  They are very difficult to defend individually.”

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So now, the Explorers turn their attention to a Rhode Island team that comes to town with a 3-16 record — but Giannini says they have a lot of talent.

“Rhode Island’s problem is that they only have one returning starter.  And if you don’t have continuity and experience in this league, it’s really, really hard.  But they are talented and they are going to win games.”

What does Giannini’s team have to be concerned about in this one?

“Their big guys are tough matchups because they can shoot threes, they can step outside, put it on the floor.  But yet they can score inside, too,” the coach says.  “They’re awfully good, so we have our work cut out for us.”

The Explorers are 13-6 overall on the season.

Tipoff at Gola Arena is set for 4:00pm on Saturday.

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