Earlyon, the match-up between 13 seeds La Salle and Boise State lookedeerily similar to the previous game between LIU-Brooklyn and JamesMadison. In fact, like the previous game, this one was also 22-12 aroundmidway through the first half with La Salle entrenched in lead.
Unfortunately for Boise State, there were no strong runs to close the second half, and La Salle led 35-27 at the half and did not let up, winning the contest 80-71.
The Explorers were led by Junior guard Tyrone Garland who scored 22 points, well above his 12.9 ppg average. Leading scorer Ramon Galloway, who averages 17 ppg, also came up big for La Salle with 21 points.
Meanwhile, Broncos leading scorer Anthony Drmic scored 28 points which proved to be insufficient for Boise State.
While I would still favor Kansas State in the second round match-up, La Salle had the look of a tournament surprise team, and I would not be surprised if the Explorers knocked off the #4 seed.