La Salle's Remarkable Season Comes to an End

    The clock struck midnight on the La Salle Explorers Cinderella season last night as they fell to the Wichita State Shockers by a score 72-58.  The size advantage the Shockers had proved to be simply too much for the Explorers as they were overwhelmed in the paint.  In the contest, Wichita State out-rebounded La Salle 44 to 23, and did a ton of scoring in the paint. 
    While big-man Steve Zack was cleared to play for the Explorers, he did not appear in the game, and Jerrell Wright simply could not handle the Shockers big-men alone.  Wright did have a solid outing, scoring 16 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, but it simply was not enough.  With a lack of size, the Explorers were relying on strong play from their athletic guards to make up for the disadvantage.
    The guards simply could not overcome the size differential, but some did have decent outings.  Tyrone Garland scored 16 points in the contest, while senior guard Ramon Galloway finished his career with a solid showing.  Galloway scored 11 points in the game while also grabbing 8 rebounds, but it simply was not enough as La Salle was overpowered by Wichita State.
    While the La Salle season came to an end last night, the Explorers have nothing to hang their heads about.  The program truly took a step forward this season and appears to have a bright future under the leadership of Dr. John Giannini.  The Explorers finished their season with a record of 24-10, while making their first NCAA Tournament in 21 years, and also taking a share of the Big 5 Title for the first time since the 1997-1998 season.
    After earning one of the last four at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, the Explorers began a remarkable run to extend their season.  After defeating Boise State in the first-four game, the Explorers earned a shot at fourth seeded Kansas State.  La Salle squeaked out a two point win to advance to the Round of 32 to face Marshall Henderson and Ole Miss.
    The Explorers again squeezed out a two point victory in the Round of 32 to survive and advance to the Sweet 16.  It was the Explorers first Sweet 16 appearance in 58 years, where they would face Wichita State with each teams Cinderella run on the line. 
    While the Explorers fell in the end, they have so much to be proud of.  The program took an enormous leap forward this season and appears to have a bright future ahead of it.  So while the players may be upset the season is over, they should hold their heads high, knowing they provided fans with many great moments that will be talked about for years to come.