No. 25 Temple took the first step toward its fourth straight Atlantic 10 title by whipping La Salle 96-76 in a quarterfinal Friday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J.

The second-seeded Owls (25-6) will play Richmond in Saturday’s semifinals.

Junior guard Ramone Moore led five Owls in double figures with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Senior Lavoy Allen had 14 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, four steals and three blocks. Temple shot 52 percent and forced 22 turnovers.

Temple, which has won four straight and 12 of 13, led 42-32 at halftime.

Aaric Murray paced the Explorers (15-18) with 22 points and 11 rebounds.