HOUSTON — Houston native Kam Burton returned home and led the La Salle men's basketball team with 15 points, but the Explorers fell to No. 10 Houston 94-55 in the season opener on Monday night at Fertitta Center.

Burton connected on four 3-point field goals, while sophomore guard Devin Booker contributed a career-high 12 points off the bench.

La Salle (0-1) showed some offensive improvement after halftime, scoring 32 points in the second half after managing just 23 before the break. The Explorers also converted 17 of 23 free throws and received 27 points from their bench.

Senior forward Bowyn Beatty recorded five points and a team-high seven rebounds in 17 minutes. Freshman guard RJ Smith added a team-high five assists in his collegiate debut.

Houston (1-0) established control early, taking a 43-23 halftime lead and shooting 54.4% from the field. The Cougars finished with a 47-32 rebounding advantage and scored 44 points in the paint.

Dedan Thomas Jr. led Houston with 16 points and five assists. Corey Hadnot II added 14 points, while Delrecco Gillespie finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

La Salle struggled to find its shooting rhythm, making 15 of 60 field-goal attempts and eight of 39 3-point field goals attempts.

The Explorers will welcome LIU to John E. Glaser Arena for a homecoming matchup on Saturday, November 7. Tip off is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.