In the final game of the season, it was already decided that Temple would head into the Conference tournament as a no.1 seed. However, what was still up in the air was whether or not they could grind out the conference title. A loss from SMU, and a win for the Owls would seal the deal, and sure enough was the outcome. Temple’s 64-56 victory over the Tulane Green Wave, ensured the American Athletic Conference title for the Owls.
Temple and Tulane are somewhat inverses, Temple having a league record of 13-4 going into the game and Tulane having a league record of 4-13. The Owls came out aggressive to start. They started with a 22-5 run, but Tulane was determined to not let it become a runaway. Since it was Senior Day for the Green Wave, they fought and clawed their way back into the game and cut the lead to as low as 5. Ultimately Temple outshot Tulane, and were able to put the game away. Temple shot 40% from the field and 50% from behind the arc. Tulane was not able to shoot over 50% from anywhere. The Green Wave was 34% from the field and 35% from behind the arc and only 44% from the free throw line.
The Owls were led by sophomore, Obi Enechionyia. Obi dropped 18 points and grabbed a solid 3 rebounds. Quenton DeCosey also contributed 15 points for the Owls in addition to 5 rebounds and 4 assists. However, it was Jaylen Bond that stole the show. Senior captain achieved another double- double for the season, with 10 points and 16 rebounds. It was a big game for the big man.
Not only are the Owls able to end the regular season on a victory and head into the Conference tournament on a high note, but they now officially hold the Conference Title for the season. The Owls finish the regular season with a 20-10 record, the 36th time in program history that they have reached a 20+ season, and a 14-4 conference record.
Temple will be back in action for the American Conference Tournament in Orlando, Florida.
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