The Leopards missed more close-range shots, allowed more offensive rebounds and committed more fouls and turnovers than coach Kirby Johnson would have liked.

But he'll certainly live with three players scoring 20 points or more and a 17-point victory for TC's first time out.

Sophomore forward Rayland Robinson scored a game-high 25 points, freshman wing Alex Lewis had 22 points and 14 rebounds and sophomore guard Marlon Miller added 20 points as the Leopards beat club team Houston Blaze 116-99 on Wednesday night at TC Gym.

"Overall, I was really pleased with our effort and ability to be where we're supposed to be offensively," said Johnson, who also got 15 points - all on 3-point baskets - from freshman wing Dray Baker and 11 points from sophomore guard Sully Haywood. "We were energetic and we played well on the press (defense).

"Everybody did a good job and we were able to get an idea of how we want to play."

Temple led only 54-46 at halftime, and the Blaze - a skilled, veteran team featuring former TC standout Daniel "Skip" Thomas and ex-Baylor player Andre Branch - still was hanging around at 78-65 with 12:42 remaining.

However, Miller (Belton) made a 3-pointer at the 11:52 mark, then TC grabbed a steal and Lewis drilled another 3 just 10 seconds after Miller's for an 84-65 advantage.

Those hoops sparked a 24-9 run that included seven points apiece by Robinson and Haywood and put the Leopards in full control at 102-77 with 7:42 left, and the Blaze never seriously threatened again.

"They were athletically better than we were, but we figured they'd get tired," Johnson said of the Blaze. "Our press gave us just enough steals that we turned into points. We were up by about 18 and then that surge got it up to about 30."

All three of TC's returning players from its 18-13 NJCAA Region V Tournament team - Robinson, Miller and Haywood - performed well in the opener.

gwille@temple-telegram.com