The La Salle Explorers made a surprise run to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament last year. That road to the Sweet 16 was aided by standout guard Tyreek Duren.

The senior guard was second on the team in scoring last season, but will handle more of the scoring load this year with the departure of last year’s leading scorer, Ramon Galloway. The 6-foot guard from Philadelphia, is a jack-of-all trades for this Explorers team.

During the 2012-2013 season, Duren averaged 14.2 points per game, while also contributing 2.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Duren was named 2nd team All-A10 during the 2012-2013 campaign. Duren has also been a menace defensively throughout his career, compiling over 50 steals in each of his first three seasons.

Duren’s impressive season helped lead the La Salle to the NCAA tournament, where they shocked the nation, by advancing to the Sweet 16 as a #13 seed. Duren was a crucial part of La Salle’s best tournament run since 1955. Duren only averaged 8.5 points per game in the tournament, but provided leadership and defense for La Salle. Duren played his best game of the tournament in a hard fought 76-74 victory over Ole Miss, scoring 19 points and adding two steals.

Heading into the 2013-2014 season, Duren has started 72 straight games at La Salle. He ranks in the top 10 in La Salle history in assists and steals. So far this season, Duren is averaging 18 points per game and five assists. He has played nearly every minute in La Salle’s first three games against Manhattan, Quinnipiac and Siena. Duren willed the Explorers to a victory over Siena on Saturday, by scoring 14 of La Salle’s last 20 points.

The 2-1 Explorers will travel to State College to take on the 2-1 Penn State Nittany Lions on Tuesday, at 7 p.m.

Jeff Jezewski is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jvj5228@psu.edu.