Saint Joseph's and La Salle clash in highly anticipated season opener

On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the Saint Joseph's (PA) Hawks will face the La Salle Explorers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This matchup marks the first time both teams have met this season in Atlantic 10 (A-10) play. The Hawks come into the game with a record of 5-3 against non-conference opponents, showcasing a strong performance thus far. Interestingly, they are undefeated, with a 1-0 record in games that were decided by less than four points, indicating their ability to perform under pressure. In contrast, the La Salle Explorers have a slightly better overall record of 6-3 in non-conference games. Their performance has been bolstered by standout players, including Corey McKeithan, who is averaging 19.2 points and 3.1 assists per game. This scoring ability will be crucial as they face the Hawks, who also excel in three-point shooting, averaging 9.1 made three-pointers per game, which is 1.8 more than what La Salle typically allows. The Explorers have shown a strong inside game, ranking eighth in the A-10 with an average of 35.3 points scored per game in the paint. Jahlil White is a key player for La Salle contributing significantly to this aspect of their game with an average of 6.9 points scored in the paint. The ongoing growth of the Explorers’ tactical play will be tested against Saint Joseph’s outside shooting prowess, setting the stage for an intriguing contest. Both teams are looking to gain an early advantage in the A-10 play as they meet for the first time this season. The outcome of this game could have implications for both team's confidence going forward in the season, as they continue to navigate the competitive landscape of college basketball. With both teams showing strengths in different areas, fans are eagerly anticipating how the game unfolds on Saturday evening in Philadelphia.