OLEAN, N.Y. (AP) -- Steven Smith scored 18 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead La Salle to a 68-57 victory over St. Bonaventure on Saturday.
It was the first Atlantic 10 win of the season for La Salle (4-8, 1-1) and the team's first win in Olean since the 1996-1997 season.
After being held to five first-half points, Smith helped ignite a 17-6 Explorer run with a layup with his back to the net. Smith had five points in the run.
La Salle held its largest lead with 3:18 left, 65-49, and made its final five points from the free throw line.
Ahmad Smith led the Bonnies (1-12, 0-2) with 14 points and nine rebounds.
In the first half, the Bonnies used a 10-2 run to take an 18-14 lead with 10:03 to play. After seven first-half lead changes, the Explorers held a 31-28 halftime lead.
Jermaine Thomas added 18 points for La Salle.
The Explorers made 45 percent (22-49) of their shots while holding St. Bonaventure to 35 percent (20-57) shooting.
