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Shizz Alston’s 29 points lead Temple over Tulane

Shizz Alston Jr. scored 29 points, shooting 14-for-15 from the foul line, and Nate Pierre-Louis had 15 points and 11 rebounds as Temple handled Tulane its 11th straight loss, 75-67, on Saturday night.

Temple guard Shizz Alston Jr. (10) tries to drive around Houston guard Corey Davis Jr. (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)
Temple guard Shizz Alston Jr. (10) tries to drive around Houston guard Corey Davis Jr. (5) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)Read moreAP

NEW ORLEANS — Shizz Alston Jr. scored 29 points, shooting 14-for-15 from the foul line, and Nate Pierre-Louis had 15 points and 11 rebounds as Temple handled Tulane its 11th straight loss, 75-67, on Saturday night.

Quinton Rose added 10 points for the Owls (16-6, 6-3 American Athletic Conference), who scored the first nine points of the game and never let the Green Wave (4-17, 0-9) get closer than six the rest of the way.

“Last year, Tulane came in and got us at home (85-75), and we were behind most of the game here (before winning, 83-76),” said Temple coach Fran Dunphy. “So we knew they would test us greatly.”

The Owls made their first four shots from the field and jumped out to a 9-0 lead before increasing the margin to 14-2 on a three-pointer by Justyn Hamilton with 14 minutes, 21 seconds left in the half. It was the first career three-pointer for Hamilton, who was making his second straight start.

Tulane was within six points with a minute left, but Alston made four free throws. The Owls went 8-for-10 from the line in the final 58 seconds to offset two Tulane threes.

“Great to see what Shizz did at the foul line late in the game,” Dunphy said, “which obviously keeps that separation where we need it. So I’m thrilled for him and pleased with coming away with a road victory today. But we can get better.”

Alston’s 14 made free throws are the most by an Owl since Khalif Wyatt made 15 of them against Duquesne on Feb. 14, 2013. He also hit a trio of three-pointers and dished four assists.

Pierre-Louis, who recorded his second double-double of the season and his career, matched Alston for team-high honors with four assists.

Rose reached double figures for the 21st time in 22 games.

Caleb Daniels had 21 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for Tulane. Samir Sehic added 15 points and eight rebounds.

The Green Wave had a 43-37 rebounding advantage but Temple turned 15 turnovers into 21 points. Tulane shot just 37 percent and was 8-of-11 at the foul line, where the Owls were 21 of 26.

Temple returns home to host UConn at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.