Powell’s triple leads La Salle past Temple

PHILADELPHIA »> Pookie Powell drilled a 3-pointer, and Saul Phiri and B.J. Johnson each hit two free throws to put La Salle in front and earn the Explorers an 87-83 win over previously unbeaten Temple Sunday afternoon.

The victory string of three Salle losses.

Powell hit 10 of 19 shots from the field and he bounced back from an 0-for-4 outing from deep to knock down 3 of 8 from behind the three-point arc. The Explorers did not make a 3-pointer in their loss to Miami, the first time they have not hit a trey since March 6, 1989 (843 games). Johnson added 25 points for snapped a straight La La Salle.

Quinton Rose had 21 points to lead Temple (3-1). Shizz Alston Jr. (Haverford School All-Delco) added 18 points, and Obi Enechionyia contributed 16.

La Salle trailed by six at intermission, 43-37, but came back to tie at 66-66 on Powell’s layup and took its first lead of the second half at 80-79 on two Amar Stukes free throws. SAINT JOSEPH’S 74, SACRAMENTO STATE 69 » Shavar Newkirk scored 22 points and freshman Taylor Funk scored five late points to break a tie as Saint Joseph’s overcame poor shooting for seventh place in the Wooden Legacy.

Newkirk made 11 of 14 free throws, and Funk scored all of his 15 points after halftime when Saint Joseph’s (3-3) battled back after Sacramento State (1-6) had shot out to a 52-40 lead.

James Demery also scored 15 for the Hawks, who have played all six games on the road. Lorenzo Edwards scored 10 with nine rebounds. Saint Joseph’s scored 27 points off 17 Sac State turnovers.

Justin Strings and Joshua Patton led Sacramento State with 20 and 15 points, respectively. Izayah Mauriohoohoo-Le’Afa added nine rebounds, six assists and seven points for the Hornets.

The contest was one of wild swings, with Saint Joseph’s holding an 11-point lead early in the first half and Sacramento State up 12 midway through the second.