Riley Frain

Carson Johnson would have had high-major offers if he entered the portal this past offseason. Instead, the Summit League’s POY is back at Denver under Tim Bergstraser.

Even with Johnson’s return, new challenges lie ahead for the Pioneers.

@mid_madness midmajormadness.com/west-coast-con…

Darris Nichols on Kevin Willard’s comments about La Salle’s crowd size:

“[It bothered me] a little bit. I don’t know the details of what went into the Big 5. I would just love to get back here and play opening night [next season]. That would be a good experience for our guys.”

Final:
Villanova - 80
La Salle - 59

La Salle hung around for about 32 minutes and change tonight thanks to some great rebounding and 13 points from freshman RJ Smith.

Ultimately though, it’s not enough as Tyler Perkins, Luigi Suigo and Devin Royal combined for 44 points.

H2 | 3:48
Villanova - 72
La Salle - 58

Villanova finally pulling away as the turnovers and fouls start to pile up for La Salle with Anthony Finkley and Rob Dockery both done for the night on five fouls.

Credit to the Explorers though, dominating the boards this half 22-9.

La Salle’s Rob Dockery fouls out with 5:36 on the clock thanks to a questionable charge call, those two early fouls really coming back to haunt him.