GAME NOTES: In a Philadelphia Big 5 showdown, the Penn Quakers will host the La Salle Explorers this evening at the Palestra. The Explorers snapped a five- game losing skid the last time they were on the floor, defeating St. Bonaventure, 72-61. It was just the second win on the road this season for La Salle, which is a mere 5-9 overall. Next up for La Salle will be a road game against Richmond, followed by three straight home matchups. As for the Quakers, they have won three of their last five games, including a 79-68 victory over NJIT back on January 5th. Penn is just 5-9 on the year, but four of those wins have come at the Palestra. Penn will continue its Big 5 play against Saint Joseph's and Temple before opening its Ivy League schedule against Harvard. Penn has a commanding, 38-22 lead over La Salle in the all-time series and has won the last six matchups against the Explorers.

The Explorers have done a commendable job offensively this season, as the team is netting 74.1 ppg, while shooting 43.5 percent from the field. At times though, La Salle has hurt itself, committing 17.5 turnovers per contest. However, the team has done a great job on the glass, outrebounding the opposition by 7.3 rpg. Darnell Harris has been the top option for La Salle this season, as the guard is netting 16.7 ppg, while shooting an impressive 50.4 percent from behind the arc. Rodney Green is the only other player posting double figures for the Explorers, averaging 13.6 ppg to go along with 5.4 rpg. The last time La Salle was on the court the team grabbed an 11-point win over St. Bonaventure. However, the squad put forth a mixed effort. The Explorers shot below 40.0 percent in the contest and was just 5-of-22 from long range, but at the same time the team committed just 12 turnovers, connected on 21- of-28 free throw attempts and dominated the glass by a 52-35 margin. Harris led the way with 21 points, while Green tallied 19 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. Kimmani Barrett added 17 points off the bench, while Jerrell Williams contributed 15 points and 15 boards.

Unlike their counterpart, the Quakers have had some troubles offensively, netting just 67.8 ppg, while shooting a mediocre 43.4 percent from the floor. Brian Grandieri has been the top player for Penn and comes into this matchup netting 13.6 ppg, while also leading the team with 5.4 rpg. Tyler Bernardini is the only other player posting double figures, as the guard is netting 12.8 ppg. The last time Penn was on the floor, the team had one of its best performances of the season, scoring 79 points, en route to an 11-point win over NJIT. In the win, Penn shot 51.0 percent from the floor, but did struggle from the foul line, where the team went just 23-of-40. Grandieri led the way in the win with 22 points, while Cameron Lewis added 15 points, nine rebounds and five steals. As for Bernardini, he was only 3-of-7 from the field, but finished with 14 points, six rebounds and five assists.

Penn has won the last six matchups against La Salle, but the Explorers are outstanding on the glass, and that should play a huge role in this matchup. Look for a close battle, but if La Salle can control its mistakes, the team should walk away with a win.