DeCosey’s Last Second Heroics Lift Temple Over UCF

PHILADELPHIA – With three seconds left on the clock on Hooter’s birthday, Quenton DeCosey pulled up from the foul line, and knocked down the game-winning bucket for Temple (18-10, 12-4) as the Owls took down UCF (11-16, 5-11) 63-61. DeCosey scored 18 points in the victory and Temple is now 13-1 when he scores 15 points or more. The game-saving bucket keeps Temple undefeated on Hooter’s birthday at 11-0

Josh Brown struggled to find the basket today, going 1-4 shooting, but came up with a crucial offensive rebound in the final 30 seconds of the game that led to DeCosey’s game-winning shot. Brown played all 40 minutes, totaling two points, nine assists and eight rebounds.

It was a big game to say the least at the Liacouras Center, as Temple had its second matchup of the season against 7-foot-6 freshman Tacko Fall. From start to finish, Fall’s size was a factor, altering shots and having his way in the paint on the offensive end. Fall finished the game with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks, while playing a career high 29 minutes.

Temple trailed 17-10 with 13 minutes to go in the first half, but Obi Enechionyia brought the Owls back, scoring all 11 of his first half points in the final seven minutes before half. The sophomore forward has caught fire at the right time in the season, averaging 15.8 points over Temple’s last 10 games.

Daniel Dingle was held scoreless in the first half on just one shot attempt, but he came out attacking in the second. On two occasions, Dingle put his head down and went right at Tacko Fall, who fouled Dingle both times. Dingle was the only Temple player to get to the charity stripe in the second half, shooting an efficient 5-6.

The inside game for the Owls was nowhere to be found and they were held to just 10 points in the paint, a season low. With a minute to go in the game, Temple led 61-59. With the shot clock ticking down Daiquan Walker hoisted up a desperation three-pointer and Josh Brown broke the golden rule in basketball, fouling a three-point shooter. Walker went 2-3 from the line to tie the game at 61.

DeCosey, who has struggled in the four games leading up to UCF was the hero in the final seconds of the game. Temple will take on the Memphis Tigers (15-13, 6-9) at the Liacouras Center on Thursday, March 3rd at 7 p.m. for senior night.