The LaSalle Explorers of the Atlantic 10 Conference take on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons of the ACC on Friday afternoon in Jamaica at the Jersey Mike's Jamaica Classic in Montego Bay. The Explorers are 2-1 on the season while the Demon Deacons are 2-0. These two teams haven't played one another in 50 years since the 1972-73 season. Tipoff is at 2:00 p.m. EDT at the Montego Bay Convention Center.
The LaSalle Explorers are 2-1 on the young season after wins over Wagner and Queens University of North Carolina. These are by no means powerhouses, but they did play a powerhouse in their season opener, losing at Villanova 81-68, but covering as a 15.5 point underdog. Queens, of the Atlantic Sun, is actually a D1 team that plays in the Atlantic Sun Conference and is ranked No. 230 by KenPom, so they are a legit opponent. LaSalle is ranked No. 179 by KenPom.
Kicking off the @jamaica_classic with a W! Let's keep it going this week!#Authenticity pic.twitter.com/s4FyqaaSen
— La Salle Men's Basketball (@LaSalle_MBB) November 16, 2022
In the win, the Explorers got a career night from Foussenyi Drame, who dropped 22 points and hauled in 8 rebounds off the bench. Khalil Brantley added 18 points and 6 assists while Hassan Drame chipped in with 8 points and 4 rebounds. Josh Nickelberry, who came into this game as the leading scorer with 21 points per game, was held to just 6 points. This game is part of the on-campus version of the Jamaica Classic. Now things head to Montego Bay.