The Explorers led South Carolina by as much as eight midway through the first half down at the Charleston Classic, and they also made 51.9 percent of their shots before halftime. But a two-point deficit at the break eventually became a 20-point hole because La Salle turned it over seven times in the first eight minutes of the second half. It went into the books as a 78-68 loss, and while it’s already the second game of 2009-10, it looked an awful lot like 2008-09, considering the Explorers’ inability to keep from giving the ball away: 17 turnovers in all, to be exact.

Freshman Aaric Murray had four points, seven rebounds and five blocks, but he was whistled for his second foul with 4:25 left in the first half and spent the remainder of the half being a spectator. The Explorers also shot just 60.9 percent from the line, and they were just 2-for-8 from the arc.

That said, there were positives: While La Salle gave up 46 points in the paint, it was close to even on the glass (35-33). And Rodney Green was Rodney Green, scoring 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting, while also coming down with six rebounds.

La Salle (1-1) plays Davidson tonight in the next round of the tourney.