Temple basketball usually consists of a back and forth battle for the entirety of the game, resulting in either heartbreak or relief. Consistency is not something that is often associated with the Owls. However, Temple’s five-game win streak is proving that this team is pushing for consistency in the right direction.
The Owls went down to South Florida and added to their five-game winning streak with a 73-55 victory over the Bulls. This gives the Owls a 7-6 record in the AAC and 15-10 record overall. Three of their next five games all had previous matchups that were decided by 3 or fewer points. Three of their upcoming games are also on the road, serving as a good opportunity for the Owls to increase their resume leading up to the AAC Tournament and Selection Sunday.
This matchup against USF started off how Temple usually likes it, too close for comfort. Both teams shot around 40% from the field. USF put down three 3-pointers, and the Owls only put down two. Both teams were struggling on both ends, resulting in a 30-30 halftime score.
A 7-0 run to start the second half would give Temple the push they needed to finish the second half strong. They outscored the Bulls 43-25 in the second half, shooting 16-29 (55%) from the field. Quinton Rose made an impressive impact in the second half. He added 16 points to his first half’s four. Rose also picked up all four of his steals and five of his six rebounds in the second half alone. Shizz Alston contributed 19 points for the Owls and grabbed five rebounds of his own while dishing out five assists. Josh Brown had 12 points of his own and six rebounds to go along with it.
Temple’s next matchup will be in Kansas where they will be taking on #22 Wichita State. Temple barely knocked the Shockers, 81-79, in their last contest. Tipoff is set for 6:00 p.m. and can be viewed on ESPN2.
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