Saint Joseph's Defeats La Salle in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, March 7, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena
Saint Joseph's Hawks 88, La Salle Explorers 76, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won La Salle Explorers vs Saint Joseph's Hawks?
Saint Joseph's Hawks beat La Salle Explorers 88-76 at Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena on March 7, 2026.
Who was favored in La Salle Explorers vs Saint Joseph's Hawks?
Saint Joseph's Hawks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -675 (about 87% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Michael J. Hagan '85 Arena, the Saint Joseph's Hawks triumphed over the La Salle Explorers with a final score of 88-76. This victory not only showcased the Hawks' strong performance but also highlighted the disparity between the two teams' seasons, as Saint Joseph's improved their record to 21-10 while La Salle fell to 9-22.
Saint Joseph's entered the game on a five-game winning streak, boasting an impressive record of 8-2 in their last ten games. They averaged 70.2 points scored per game while allowing only 63.4 points. Their recent form included notable victories against teams like Davidson and George Mason, with their last game resulting in a close 70-67 win over Davidson on March 5. The Hawks have proven to be particularly strong at home, with a home record of 3-1 in their last four games.
On the other hand, La Salle's performance has been less consistent, with a record of 2-8 in their last ten games. They averaged 65.1 points scored while allowing 72.8 points. Their most recent game saw them secure a narrow 87-84 victory against Fordham on March 4, but prior to that, they had struggled significantly, losing six out of their last seven games. La Salle's away record has been particularly troubling, as they have not won any of their last five away games.
Historically, the Hawks have had the upper hand in their recent meetings with La Salle, winning four out of the last five matchups. Their most recent encounter before this game took place on January 31, 2026, where Saint Joseph's won 67-58. This trend of dominance continued in this latest game, further solidifying their advantage.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have had their challenges throughout the season. The absence of key players can often impact team performance, especially in high-stakes games like this one.
The betting market reflected the expectations surrounding this matchup, with DraftKings listing the odds as JOES -11.5, indicating a strong belief in Saint Joseph's ability to win comfortably. The total points line was set at 142.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring potential of both teams.
The conditions for the game were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Fans were treated to an exciting display of basketball, with notable scoring plays throughout the game. For instance, Justice Ajogbor made a significant four-foot dunk assisted by Derek Simpson, while Mekai Johnson contributed with crucial free throws in the second half.
As the game progressed, Saint Joseph's maintained control, with their scoring prowess on full display. They effectively utilized their home-court advantage, which has been a significant factor in their success this season. La Salle, despite their struggles, managed to keep the game competitive at times, but ultimately could not overcome the Hawks' scoring efficiency.
In conclusion, this game served as a testament to Saint Joseph's strong form as they head into the conclusion of their season, while La Salle continues to seek answers to their inconsistent performances. The Hawks' ability to score and defend effectively will be key as they look to build on this victory moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | JOES -11.5 | 142.5 o -110 / u -110 | La Salle Explorers +490 · Saint Joseph's Hawks -675 |
Leaders
- PointsJustice Ajogbor20Saint Joseph's Hawks
- AssistsDerek Simpson9Saint Joseph's Hawks
- ReboundsDerek Simpson7Saint Joseph's Hawks
- PointsRob Dockery25La Salle Explorers
- AssistsAshton Walker3La Salle Explorers
- ReboundsNas Hart9La Salle Explorers
Recent form
Saint Joseph's Hawks
Last 10: 8-2Streak W570.2 scored · 63.4 allowed per game3-1 at home
- W70-67at Davidson WildcatsMar 5
- W61-55at Rhode Island RamsFeb 28
- W81-63vs George Mason PatriotsFeb 26
- W75-61vs Loyola Chicago RamblersFeb 21
- W71-65at St. Bonaventure BonniesFeb 19
- L64-68vs Fordham RamsFeb 11
- L52-60at George Mason PatriotsFeb 7
- W76-73vs George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 5
- W67-58at La Salle ExplorersJan 31
- W85-64at Loyola Chicago RamblersJan 28
La Salle Explorers
Last 10: 2-8Streak W165.1 scored · 72.8 allowed per game0-5 away
- W87-84vs Fordham RamsMar 4
- L64-71at Davidson WildcatsMar 1
- L77-104vs George Washington RevolutionariesFeb 24
- W59-46vs Rhode Island RamsFeb 21
- L61-62at Duquesne DukesFeb 19
- L68-77vs VCU RamsFeb 11
- L58-82at Saint Louis BillikensFeb 7
- L61-71at Loyola Chicago RamblersFeb 4
- L58-67vs Saint Joseph's HawksJan 31
- L58-64at Fordham RamsJan 29
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | 29-6 | - | 15-3 |
| VCU | 28-8 | - | 15-3 |
| Saint Joseph's | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Dayton | 25-12 | 3 | 12-6 |
| George Mason | 23-10 | 4 | 11-7 |
| Davidson | 20-14 | 5 | 10-8 |
| Duquesne | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| George Washington | 19-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Fordham | 17-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rhode Island | 16-16 | 8 | 7-11 |
| Richmond | 15-17 | 10 | 5-13 |
| La Salle | 9-23 | 10 | 5-13 |
| St. Bonaventure | 17-17 | 11 | 4-14 |
| Loyola Chicago | 9-24 | 11 | 4-14 |
Box score
| Stat | La Salle Explorers | Saint Joseph's Hawks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-67 | 27-52 |
| Field goal % | 39 | 52 |
| Three-pointers | 8-25 | 10-25 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 40 |
| Free throws | 14-21 | 24-37 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 37 |
| Offensive rebounds | 14 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 27 |
| Assists | 9 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 2 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 5 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 2 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 32 |
| Fouls | 22 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 1 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 4 | 95 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half43-53Justice Ajogbor makes layup (Khaafiq Myers assists)
- 2nd Half45-53Jaden Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-55Justice Ajogbor makes 4-foot dunk (Derek Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half46-55Jaden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-55Jaden Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-55Jaden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-55Jaden Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-56Jaiden Glover-Toscano makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half49-57Jaiden Glover-Toscano makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half52-57Truth Harris makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jaden Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half54-57Nas Hart makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half54-58Justice Ajogbor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-59Justice Ajogbor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-62Jaiden Glover-Toscano makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-63Khaafiq Myers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-64Khaafiq Myers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-66Austin Williford makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half57-66Truth Harris makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaden Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half58-66Rob Dockery makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-68Justice Ajogbor makes layup (Derek Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half58-70Austin Williford makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half58-73Jaiden Glover-Toscano makes 26-foot three point jumper (Derek Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half61-73Eric Acker makes 27-foot three point jumper (Ashton Walker assists)
- 2nd Half61-76Austin Williford makes 26-foot three point jumper (Derek Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half63-76Rob Dockery makes driving layup
- 2nd Half63-77Justice Ajogbor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-77Truth Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-77Truth Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-80Derek Simpson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dasear Haskins assists)
- 2nd Half68-80Rob Dockery makes 27-foot three point jumper (Truth Harris assists)
- 2nd Half68-82Justice Ajogbor makes 5-foot dunk (Derek Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half70-82team makes 79-foot shot
- 2nd Half70-84Justice Ajogbor makes 4-foot dunk (Derek Simpson assists)
- 2nd Half70-85Jaden Smith makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-85Damon Strand makes 13-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-86Mekai Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-87Mekai Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-87Damon Strand makes 15-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half74-88Kevin Kearney makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-88Edwin Daniel makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Saint Joseph's Hawks, below favours La Salle Explorers.
Venue
- Michael J. Hagan '85 ArenaPhiladelphia, PA
- Attendance2504
- OfficialsTony Crisp, Mike Millione, Joe Switzer
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- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond