A more aggressive La Salle squad tops Penn, 76-74, for its first Big 5 win

La Salle faced its third Big 5 opponent in 13 days as Penn traveled to Tom Gola Arena for a game that would ultimately leave fans on the edges of their seats the entire game.

The Explorers tried out a new, more aggressive style of play against the Quakers, and while clearly not yet perfected, looked as though it might work for them going forward. But while the playing style may have switched up, La Salle’s top scorer for this game — Josh Nickelberry — was once again his usual self, ending the afternoon night with 15 points in the 76-74 nail-biter.

The win marked the Explorers’ third in a row, and their first over a Big 5 opponent this season. It might not be surprising, seeing as the team has found its sweet spot at home. The arena’s atmosphere was positively electric, and it was clear that the Explorers were feeling it. They played with perhaps the most purpose they have all season, and with surprisingly more aggression than they have in recent games. It resulted in a fair number of fouls, especially by Anwar Gill, but it was a small price to pay for the message to be sent: La Salle was going to win this game, no matter the cost.

Once again, La Salle’s defense shined, particularly with Clifton Moore. After the game, Moore could only shrug and say that his job as a central piece in the defense consists of doing simple things like “communicating” and “using his physicality to block.”

In a game where Penn was engaged in some truly ambitious shooting, courtesy of players like Jordan Dingle (whom La Salle head coach Ashley Howard said was “the main concern” for the Explorers) and Michael Moshkovitz, Moore’s defensive contributions cannot be overstated.

Although Penn has an inexperienced team that has struggled lately, the Explorers stayed with them the entire game, with none of the energy letting up. It’s a promising performance as Atlantic 10 play draws closer with a game against Fordham on Dec. 21.