Quick reaction: The 18-point hole Rider dug for itself — as it almost always is — was too deep. The Broncs crept back into the game but could never get closer than six. When they did, a turnover stopped them from getting closer. Rider turned out to be its own worst enemy, shooting 12 of 22 from the free-throw line and coughing it up 18 times — 12 in the first half. It was evident early the Broncs were missing some hop in their step. La Salle carved up Rider's match-up zone, knocking down its first three shots from beyond the arc, sprinting out to a 30-12 advantage. Kevin Baggett called an early timeout, and when the Broncs switched to man, they were more effective defensively.

Stud of the game: Tyreek Duren may not get national attention, but he's one of the better point guards you'll see. The junior scored 20 points, making all six of the shots he attempted. The only blemish on his box score were the three free throws he missed.

"Scoring has never been me," said Duren, who also finished with six assists. "I just play within the rhythm of the game and if I score I score. Everybody knows I look to pass the ball first. But at the end of the game, coach (Dr. John Giannini) always tells me to get the ball. That's his way of telling me I can do it."

Duren and Galloway (17 points) make up a pretty good backcourt. And while Duren doesn't necessarily look to score, Galloway does. He's not bashful — see nine 3-point attempts Thursday night — and probably shoots the Explorers out of some games, but he can also get hot and carry them for stretches. 

If La Salle is going to contend in a stacked Atlantic-10 (which now includes Butler and Virginia Commonwealth), and many Philly media member think it can, a cool head like Duren will be key.

"He's been playing great," Galloway said, "and I'm just trying to feed off it."

Dud of the game: Could really pick any member of Rider's starting five.

"My starters didn't come to play today," Baggett said.

The Broncs need more from Nurideen Lindsey. He scored just five points, although Galloway, Duren and Sam Mills played outstanding defense. Lindsey's problem is the turnovers. He had a team-high 35 turnovers (and only 16 assists) coming into the game.

His five turnovers and one assist Thursday won't help the ratio.

Lindsey wants to be aggressive and attack the basket, and frankly, he has to do that for Rider to be successful, but sometimes he gets his head down and drives to nowhere. There's a smarter play than barreling into two bigs and hoping for a foul call.

The turnovers aren't just limited to Lindsey. They are a team epidemic and many are unforced. The Broncs averaged 17.3 giveaways per game prior to Thursday's loss and increased that number with 18 more.

"It's a matter of getting into the offense and whoever is on the ball has to take care of the ball," said guard Anthony Myles. "Guys have to learn how to get open. That's pretty much it. You have to be calm on the ball." 

AROUND THE MAAC

Manhattan 65, Fordham 58: Despite 27 turnovers, Jaspers win rivalry game against Rams.

Canisius 83, UMBC 65: Griffs snapped 10-game road losing streak. Canisius is 4-1 — one victory away from matching last year's total.