Hampton 68, La Salle 64

CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP)—Jeff Granger scored 20 points to lead the way as Hampton opened its season with a 68-64 victory over La Salle in the Paradise Jam tournament on Saturday night.

Even though the Pirates never trailed in the second half they had to hold off a late offensive attack from the Explorers (0-2). The Pirates led 61-51 with 3:57 left in regulation, but had to rely on clutch free-throw shooting from Donald Didlake, who made four foul shot in the final 21 seconds.

Hampton made its first 10 free throws. Granger was perfect in eight attempts, scoring 14 points in the first half.

The Explorers kept the Pirates from the free throw line for the first 12 minutes of the second half. But La Salle was forced to foul the Pirates, and they made enough free throws to win.

The Pirates had 13 second-chance points in the first half. The Explorers had none.

Didlake had 18 points for the Pirates. Devin Green added seven points and nine rebounds.

Steven Smith led the Explorers with 17 points. David Bell added 11 and Mike Cleaves 10.