The atmosphere was set in a loud Hagan Arena as Temple traveled down the road for their second Big 5 matchup
this season. Coming off a gritty, down to the wire win against Missouri, Temple came in looking to add their seventh win on the young season.
Early action in the first half saw both teams trade bucket for bucket. Temple kept things close until the Hawks crowd gave them a needed momentum boost.
Temple couldn’t find their 3 point shot early on shooting 14% in the first half. The Hawks capitalized and used this to break open the their biggest lead in the half to 11.
With a nine point deficit at 41-33 to start the second half, the Owls adjusted the defense and increased the pressure on the Hawks playmakers.
Temple picked up their scoring effort in the second half by attacking the hawks inside the paint.
The bench for the Owls contributed big with 24 points to help balance the scoring effort.
After losing the rebound battle in the first half by 4, the intensity picked up winning the second half battle 37-14.
Quinton Rose and Shizz Alston Jr provided the scoring relief the Owls needed to get past the Hawks relentless pressure all game. Both pouring in 15 a piece, Alston sealed the game down the stretch with important free throws adding to an already incredible year at the line so far, shooting over 90%.
Nate Pierre Louis was all over the floor contributing in every facet. Picking up full court and running the offense, he hauled in 13 rebounds anchoring the defensive pressure from the start. Temple closed out the game after a late push by the Hawks, securing the win 77-70 to improve to (7-1) overall on the year.
After coaching his last game on Hawk hill, Coach Dunphy was humbled following a warm ovation by the opposing crowd prior to tipoff.
“Anytime we play in these matchups with its long history and tradition, there’s a lot of people being represented so it’s always great.
Im very greatful and owe alot to St joes over the years.They’ve been very good and kind to me and I will always appreciate it.”
Their next matchup will be another local Big 5 battle as they take on one of the toughest opponents they’ll face this year in Villanova. The Owls will travel into new Pavilion looking to defeat the Wildcats for the first time since the 2012 – 2013 season.
Game time is set for 8:30 and will be streaming live on Fox Sports 1.
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