La Salle cruises to 89-51 win over Towson

TOWSON, Md. - La Salle has prided itself on its improved defense this season. Against overmatched Towson, the Explorers took it to another level.

Not only did they win handily Wednesday night, but in the beginning of the game they didn't allow a shot for nearly three minutes. By then, La Salle already led by 10 points on its way to an 89-51 win over the Tigers in front of 648 at the Towson Center.

It was the fourth consecutive win for the Explorers (6-3), who will host Army on Saturday before taking nine days off for exams.

It's the longest winning streak for La Salle since it won five straight in 2008.

The 401st career victory for John Giannini was even easier than his 400th, a 26-point victory over Bucknell on Saturday.

Sam Mills led La Salle with 18 points - one shy of his career high. He hit 5 of 7 from three-point range. Earl Pettis collected 15 points - all in the first half.

La Salle scored the first 13 points, and built a 17-2 lead in the first six minutes. Towson (0-8) never made it closer than 34-24 for the rest of the half, which ended with three-pointers by D.J. Peterson and Pettis.

The Explorers led, 48-28, at halftime. By then, Pettis and Mills had combined for one more point than the Tigers.

How dominant was La Salle? The Explorers hit a season-high 14 threes and shot 53.2 percent - 51.9 percent on three-pointers - both season bests.

In the second half, Ramon Galloway, who had three points at halftime, hit two layups in the first minute and two treys for a 66-39 La Salle lead with 13 minutes, 27 seconds to play.

Galloway finished with 15. All five starters finished in double figures for the first time this season. Tyreek Duren added 12. Freshman forward Jerrell Wright had 11 - 10 in the second half.

The sad-sack Tigers lost their 27th straight.