La Salle vs. Kansas State: Narducci's take

It seems like such a basic point, but it was the difference in La Salle winning its first NCAA basketball game since 1990 and what could be the key to the Explorers extending their season - getting a lead and running with it.

The biggest factor in La Salle beating Boise state 80-71 in Wednesday's NCAA first-round game in Dayton, Ohio was that the Explorers took control from the beginning. And despite some late runs by Boise State, they road that early momentum to a victory.

What turned out to be a game-long lead allowed the Explorers to control tempo. La Salle led by as many as 14 points in both halves. When a team has the lead, it can dictate tempo and even gamble on defense. La Salle was able to steal a number of crosscourt passes by gambling.

The Explorers led 35-27 at halftime after causing nine turnovers and committing just four. They were playing freely with the lead.

In fact, Ramon Galloway, who shot a combined 4 for 22 in the previous two losses, snapped out of his offensive funk.

What La Salle did was beat Boise State down the court and get either open looks or layups. The Explorers can't expect to shoot 63 percent again against Kansas State as they did against Boise State, but they can play in the same loose style. And the day after the win, the players talked about how comfortable they were with the big lead and the chance to dictate tempo.

So with a La Salle team on fumes against a well-rested K-State squad, the Explorers can't afford to get down early. Look at the score at the 10-minute mark. That could determine whether the Explorers stay in the game for the long haul.

   - Marc Narducci