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PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle women’s basketball team is set to face Massachusetts this Sunday, with the game starting at 2:00 PM.
Last Game Recap
In their previous outing, La Salle secured a 67-58 win against St. Bonaventure on Wednesday. Freshman Joan Quinn was a standout performer, scoring 21 points, achieving her second consecutive game with over 20 points. Additionally, junior Ayisse Magassa and redshirt sophomore Ashleigh Connor contributed 13 and 10 points, respectively. Both Magassa and junior Anna Przyszlak excelled on the boards, each grabbing 10 rebounds.
Joan Quinn Shines Again
Joan Quinn continued to impress with her second straight 20-point game during the matchup against St. Bonaventure. A couple of weeks ago, she was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week after leading La Salle in scoring against both Massachusetts and George Mason. Her impressive form carried into last week’s game against Duquesne where she secured a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, culminating in a career-high 23 points against St. Joe’s.
Over her last five games, Quinn is averaging 17 points per game, a notable increase of over two points from earlier in the season.
Rebounding Efforts
La Salle dominated the boards against St. Bonaventure, out-rebounding them 38-29. Notably, they have had two players record 10 or more rebounds in two of their last three games.
In the game against Duquesne, graduate student Mackenzie Daleba (11 points, 18 rebounds), and freshman Joan Quinn (13 points, 12 rebounds) made history as the first pair of Explorers to achieve double-doubles in a game since Shaquana Edwards and Amy Griffin in 2018 against Massachusetts. Daleba’s 18 rebounds marked the first time an Explorer surpassed 15 rebounds since Kayla Spruill in 2021.
The Explorers currently rank 67th nationally with 13.3 offensive rebounds per game, placing them sixth in the Atlantic 10.
Head-to-Head Series
In their earlier matchup this season, La Salle had a strong performance in the second half but ultimately lost to Massachusetts 82-66 in Amherst.
Last season, La Salle managed to sweep the regular season series against the Minutewomen, winning 70-64 in Philadelphia, and managing a thrilling 63-61 comeback victory highlighted by a 25-14 fourth-quarter surge. However, UMass triumphed in their encounter during the Atlantic 10 tournament, winning 54-49.
Overall, UMass holds the edge in the series with a record of 24-16.
Scouting Massachusetts
The Minutewomen come into this Sunday’s game with an 11-10 record and a 6-4 standing in Atlantic 10 play. On the road, UMass has a balanced record of 5-5 and is riding a two-game winning streak.
Ashleigh Connor’s Contribution
Redshirt sophomore Ashleigh Connor leads the Explorers with averages of 11.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and three assists per game, contributing 10 points, three assists, and three steals during the recent game against St. Bonaventure.
Consistently scoring in double figures, Connor has achieved this feat in 13 of her last 17 games and ranks fourth in the Atlantic 10 with 67 made free throws this season.
Rebounding Dominance
La Salle showcased their rebounding prowess against Duquesne, dominating with a 58-38 advantage in rebounds, just shy of breaking the school record for rebounds in a single game.
Mackenzie Daleba and Joan Quinn made headlines again, both achieving double-doubles—a testament to their collective strength this season. The Explorers rank 65th nationally with 13.3 offensive rebounds per game, placing them fifth in the Atlantic 10.
Winning Conditions
The Explorers have experienced success when surpassing 65 points, holding a record of 6-1. They are also 7-3 when hitting 23 or more field goals in a game.
Defensive Skills
La Salle’s defensive prowess is evident as they rank fourth in the Atlantic 10 with an average of 9.4 steals per game.
Upcoming Matchup
Following their matchup with Massachusetts, La Salle will face Richmond on Wednesday, February 5, with the game set to tip off at 6:30 PM.
