Temple Opens Season with 75-67 Win Over LaSalle

It was a close back and forth battle, but nonetheless, put a tally in the “Win” column for the Owls.

Quinton Rose may have led the Owls in scoring with 15 points, but it was Nate Pierre-Louis that had fans buzzing after the game. Pierre-Louis recorded his first career double-double, putting up 14 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. A clutch three-point basket from Pierre-Louis in the second half gave the Owls the surge they needed to sustain their lead through the end of the game. Pierre-Louis ended 4-6 from the field and 4-6 from behind the free throw line.

The Explorers did have a better foul shooting percentage on the night going 15-18, but the Owls were able to get to the line more. The Owls shot 36 free throws making 26, including a 6-6 from Shizz Alston Jr. ALston Jr. ended his 2017-2018 season shooting 90% from the line. “He’s [Shizz] one of the best free throw shooters in the country,” said Fran Dunphy. If he can get to the line consistently, Temple’s opponents will feel it on the scoreboard.

Shizz Alston Jr. put up a respectable 13 points, he did have a staggering statistic. The senior guard dished out eight assists and only one turnover. Alston averaged just over three assists per game last season.

Temple was able to get some help from their big guys..eventually. The senior big, Ernest Aflakpui got off to a rough start. Despite only having two turnovers on the stat sheet, he bobbled the ball a considerable of times on the offensive end in the opening minutes of the game. Once he settled in he was able to contribute 10 points offensively and earn 8 boards. Four of which were offensive rebounds. Dre Perry and Damion Moore were also able to add to the Owls massacre on the boards. Perry grabbed 7 and Moore 5.

The Owls out-rebounded the Explorers 50-28. Temple had four guys grab at least five rebounds, while LaSalle’s leader on the boards was only able to grab 7.

Temple begins the season 1-0 and 1-0 in the Big 5 after their 75-67 win over LaSalle. Their next battle will be a Friday, November 9th at the Liacouras Center. They will be taking on Detroit. The game is set to start at 7 o’clock and can be streamed on ESPN3.