*Pierce helps Temple hold off Toledo 40-24*

TOLEDO, Ohio(AP) -- Freshman Bernard Pierce rushed for a career-high 212 yards and three touchdowns and Temple defeated Toledo 40-24 for the Owls' fifth straight victory.

Pierce had 40 carries, including scoring runs of 1, 39 and 2 yards for Temple (5-2, 4-0 Mid-American Conference), which has won six straight league games going back to last year.

Vaughn Charlton was 11-for-20 for 122 yards and two touchdowns for the Owls, who led 23-7 with 9:58 left in the first half.

Toledo (4-4, 2-2), pulled within 23-17 by halftime, then Temple scored 17 straight points, capped by Charlton's 36-yard touchdown strike to Jason Harper with 11 minutes remaining.

Alex Pettee was 29-for-47 for 265 yards with two interceptions for the Rockets. He threw a 27-yard TD pass with 3:02 left.

The Owls, who lead the MAC in defense, held Toledo to 48 yards rushing on 23 carries.