Gregory Harris scored 27 points, including 10 in overtime, as Mount St. Mary's posted a 92-88 victory over La Salle last night in the men's college basketball opener for both teams at Knott Arena.

The Mountaineers led 74-71 after Konata Springer's layup, but LaSalle forced overtime when Julian Blanks banked in a three-pointer as time expired.

The Mount never trailed in the extra period, making seven of nine free throws to give coach Jim Phelan his 786th career win.

The Mount led by one at halftime before pulling ahead 53-45 with 11: 55 left in the second half. But the Explorers used a 23-8 run -- led by eight points from Donnie Carr -- to move ahead, 68-61.

The Mount scored the next seven points on a Robert Balgac three-pointer and layups by Tony Hayden and Eric Bethel.

Balgac added a career-high 22 points for the Mount. Victor Thomas scored 24, and Blanks had 20 to lead La Salle.

Pub date 11/15/98