Temple’s win over USF, was a game of bests. Jaylen Bond not only got his seventh season double-double, but he also tied his season best for rebounds with 14 rebounds. Bond also had 18 points. Josh Brown also tied his career best for assists with 9 assists and only 1 turnover. This is also the first game since the 2013-2014 season that Temple has had five players score in double figures. Led by Jaylen Bond and Obi Enechionyia with 18, Quenton DeCosey followed with 12, Josh Brown had 11, and Devin Coleman rounded it out with 10 points. A true team effort. This is also Temple’s best streak of the season. They have won 8 of their last 9 contests, and the last 5 they won consecutively. This momentum is sure to carry over to their next matchup against Big 5 rival and no.1 Villanova.
Although the Bulls made several runs at the Owl’s lead, cutting the lead to as low as 4 and a momentum shifting half court shot to end the first half, Temple was able to hold their composure and pull away with a victory. The Owl’s defensive pressure was able to force 20 USF turnovers, “…that was a key ingredient.” admits Coach Dunphy. However, the Owls were ineffective stopping Jahmal McMurray, who dropped 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. McMurray was so efficient for USF that junior, Josh Brown found himself in a bit of foul trouble. The Bulls came out and played with tremendous tenacity, Josh Brown explains, “they’re a team that had nothing to lose…they’re a resilient team.”
This victory is a little bit more special than the rest, not because it was played on Valentine’s Day, but because the 1990-1991 season was honored for the 25th anniversary of their Elite Eight season. Several former players, administrators, and Hall of Famer, John Chaney, walked the court to be honored by Temple University.
Temple’s next game is Wednesday February 17th at 7:00 o’clock against Big 5 Rival and no.1 team in the country, Villanova. The Owl’s 77-65 victory over the University of Southern Florida gives the Owl’s an improved record of 16-8. Temple is now the no.1 team in the AAC, with a 10-3 conference record.
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