Half-time report
There is only one half left between Massachusetts and the victory they were favored to achieve this afternoon. They jumped out to an early 33-25 lead against La Salle.
Massachusetts came into the game with extra motivation after the loss they suffered the last time these two teams faced each other. We’ll see if they are able to flip the script or if it will just be more of the same.
Who’s playing
The Explorers Room @ Massachusetts Minutemen
Current records: La Salle 10-7, Massachusetts 7-11
How to watch
- When: Sunday January 19, 2025 at 2 p.m. ET
- Or: Mullins Center – Amherst, Massachusetts
- TV: American Network
- Follow: CBS Sports app
- Online broadcast: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket cost: $6.12
What you need to know
After two road games, Massachusetts returns home. They and the La Salle Explorers will face off Sunday in an Atlantic 10 battle at 2 p.m. ET at the Mullins Center. We’ve seen both of these teams pick up wins recently that they didn’t expect, so we’ll see who gives them back.
Massachusetts is just heading out the door scoring the most points of the entire season. They certainly got their nails bitten, but they managed to escape with a 120-118 win over Fordham on Wednesday. With the win, the Minutemen increased their scoring average to 76.1 points per game.
Rahsool Diggins and Daniel Rivera were among Massachusetts’ key playmakers as the former went 8 of 13 from beyond the arc en route to 46 points plus six rebounds and two blocks and the latter had a double -double with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Additionally, Diggins also posted a three-point shooting accuracy of 61.5%, which is the highest he has posted since March 2024.
Massachusetts broke the offensive glass and finished the game with 22 offensive rebounds. Those were the most offensive rebounds they’ve pulled off all season.
Meanwhile, La Salle hadn’t done well against Davidson recently (they were 2-8 in their previous ten matchups), but they didn’t let the past get in their way on Wednesday. La Salle narrowly escaped with a victory as the team defeated Davidson 79-76. The victory was all the more dramatic because the Explorers trailed by 17 with 4:40 left in the first half.
La Salle’s victory was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Deuce Jones, who went 9 for 14 en route to 23 points plus five assists and three steals. Jones is heading in the right direction considering he has improved his point production for three straight games. Daeshon Shepherd was another key player, scoring 19 points.
Massachusetts’ victory improved its record to 7-11. As for La Salle, this victory gave them their second straight victory and brings their season record to 10-7.
Rebounding will likely be a big factor in this contest: Massachusetts has been smashing the glass this season, averaging 39.2 rebounds per game. However, it’s not like La Salle is struggling in this department as they have an average of 38.9. As both teams fight to recover missed shots, we’ll see if one team can take the lead.
Massachusetts and La Salle were neck and neck in their previous matchup in February 2024, but Massachusetts came away empty-handed after an 82-81 loss. Will Massachusetts have better luck at home than on the road?
Odds
Massachusetts is a slight favorite with 2.5 points against La Salle, according to the latest college basketball odds.
The punters were perfectly in tune with the betting community on this point, as the game opened with a 2.5 point spread and stayed there.
The over/under is 156 points.
See college basketball picks for every game, including this one, from SportsLine’s advanced computer model. Get Picks Now.
History of the series
Massachusetts has won 7 of its last 10 games against La Salle.
- February 17, 2024 – La Salle 82 vs. Massachusetts 81
- January 10, 2024 – Massachusetts 81 vs. La Salle 65
- February 11, 2023 – La Salle 86 vs. Massachusetts 72
- January 11, 2023 – La Salle 78 vs. Massachusetts 77
- February 19, 2022 – Massachusetts 80 vs. La Salle 74
- January 26, 2022 – Massachusetts 77 vs. La Salle 71
- January 9, 2021 – Massachusetts 83 vs. La Salle 67
- December 16, 2020 – Massachusetts 85 vs. La Salle 66
- March 4, 2020 – Massachusetts 75 vs. La Salle 64
- January 8, 2020 – Massachusetts 77 vs. La Salle 69
