Box Score
Box Score (PDF)

PHILADELPHIA – The La Salle men's basketball team built an early 24-21 lead, but Temple ended the first half on an 18-1 run to run away from the Explorers, 82-74, on Thursday evening at a sold-out Liacouras Center.

With the loss, La Salle fell to 18-7 (8-4 A-10, 3-1 Big 5) on the season while the Owls improved to 18-8 (7-5 A-10, 3-1 Big 5). The teams each share a piece of the year's Big 5 title.

“They were terrific,” head coach Dr. John Giannini said post-game. “Anyone that saw the way they played had to be impressed. When one good team plays at a high level and another team has a bad game, it's the result that you saw there today.”

The Owls distanced their lead to as much as 22 (53-31 at 15:33) before the Explorers came storming back. La Salle's 22-9 run cut the deficit to single digits (62-53 at 8:55) but an 18-11 Temple counter put the game away.

Senior Ramon Galloway notched his third double-double of the year with 18 points (4-15 FG, 2-6 3PT, 8-11 FT) and 10 rebounds and junior Tyreek Duren poured in 16 points (5-10 FG, 1-4 3PT, 5-6 FT) and added three assists. Juniors Tyrone Garland (14 pts; 7-15 FG) and Sam Mills (11 pts; 5-8 FG, 1-2 3PT) joined the double-digit scoring list for the Blue and Gold.

For the Owls, Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson posted career highs in points (23) and rebounds (18) to lead the game in both categories. Khalif Wyatt added 17 for the Owls while Scottie Randall had 15 and Anthony Lee drained 11.

“Our biggest problem was we couldn't stop them all night,” Giannini said. “Their size and strength bothered us and when we went small they beat us off the dribble. Whatever we tried to do, they countered it.”

La Salle converted at 45 percent (27-60) from the field, 29 percent (5-17) from long range, and 79 percent (15-19) from the free throw line. Conversely, the Owls shot an even 50 percent (30-60) from the field, 31 percent (5-16) from behind the arc, and 59 percent (17-29) from the charity stripe.

“I think we'll be fine moving forward, I think we'll play better,” Giannini said. “It was a bad time we picked to not be at our best because there was a lot at stake and outstanding opponent.”

La Salle will look to rebound on Saturday when it travels to Rhode Island for a 2 PM contest.