PHILADELPHIA -- Sophomore Nate Pierre-Louis finished with 14 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double and Temple held off La Salle 75-67 in a season opener on Tuesday night.
Quinton Rose scored 15 to pace Temple, while Shizz Alston Jr. added 13 points and eight assists. Ernest Aflakpui had 10 points and eight boards as the Owls outrebounded the Explorers 50-28 and spoiled the debut of first-year La Salle coach Ashley Howard.
Isiah Deas hit four 3-pointers and scored a game-high 23 points for La Salle. Pookie Powell added 14 points and Traci Carter and Miles Brookins both scored 10.