HARTFORD- Markus Kennedy earned the title “Owl killer” after 69-56 win over Temple. Kennedy, who is a Philly native and played AAU ball with Temple’s Jesse Morgan, talked about that he liked playing against Temple. When Kennedy was asked if this matchup was a rivalry, Kennedy stated, “I like the idea of a rivalry.” In three games against Temple this season, he has posted an average of 15.3 points, four points more than his season average. Today he finished 17 points and nine rebounds.
The story of the day was Jaylen Bond, who was listed as questionable to play today, but got the start today. Bond suffered an ankle late in the first half against Memphis that sidelined him for the rest of the game. Bond had a promising start to the day’s game, scoring 2 points and grabbing three rebounds and a steal, but after picking up his second foul around the 14 minute mark of the first half, he was on the bench until halftime.
Bond started off the second half with a made jumper, but after picking up two quick fouls with 17 minutes to go in the game, he was on the bench yet again. Bond played 11 minutes the entire game, and while he was on the bench, SMU attacked the rim, scoring 44 of their 63 points with Bond off of the floor.
Foul trouble for Jaylen Bond wasn’t the only reason the Owls lost today. Temple shot just 2-24 from deep, and 17-58 from the field. It was tough to watch the Owls just jack up shots from three as they tried to formulate some sort of comeback. Nothing was falling at the end of the game, and SMU just continued to increase their lead. As the final seconds slowly ticked away, Temple could only sit and watch as SMU celebrated. The fate of Temple’s tournament hopes lie in the hands of the NCAA Selection Committee. The Selection show is tomorrow at 6 on ESPN, and Coach Dunphy and the Owls will be anxiously watching, hoping to see their name in the field of 68, and playing in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
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