After a victory by the Owls in the first game of the Charleston Classic, they took on the Auburn Tigers for a chance to go to the championship game in the tournament. Temple took care of business once again down the stretch winning the game 88-74.
The first half was a tight affair, trading baskets and lead changes throughout. Temple’s biggest lead in the first half was 7, though it was cut to 1 by the break, Temple led 32-31. Shooting in the first half was a bit of a struggle for both teams, as neither could find their stroke from beyond the arc.
By the time the second half rolled around, Temple took command. Down the stretch, Quinton Rose hit big shot after big shot increasing the Owl’s lead and separating themselves farther and farther as the second half went on.
Quinton Rose and Obi Enechionyia were Temple’s leading scorers with 19 a piece. Enechionyia recorded his first double-double of the season with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 1 steal and was a perfect 5-5 from the free throw line. Quinton Rose had another great day shooting behind the arc, he went 5-8 to contribute to his 19 points, and add 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal to his stat line for the day.
The two other Owl’s in double figures were Shizz Alston Jr. and Alani Moore (10). Alston put up 18 points on 6-9 shooting and 2-3 from beyond the arc, to go along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Josh Brown, his second game back from being injured last season, is still looking to find his stroke. The senior guard was just 2-6 from the field, 0-1 from beyond and picked up 2 of 3 from the free throw line giving him a total of 6 points, 1 rebound and 3 assists.
As a team, Temple shot 49.2% from the field, 38.5% from three-point territory and 81.8% from the free throw line.
For the Tigers, their leading scorer was Anfernee McLemore off the bench, tallying 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 blocks. Desean Murray earned himself a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists. Bryce Brown and Jared Harper were in double figures as well. Brown put up 10 points after going just 3-11 from beyond the arc, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Harper had 11 points on 3-12 shooting and 1-6 from three, 3 rebounds, a team-high 7 assists, and two steals.
As a team, Auburn shot 36% from the field, 24.2% from three-point territory and 70.6% from the free throw line.
The win improves the Owls’ record to 2-0 and will face off against the winner of Clemson/Hofstra who will play later tonight, in the Charleston Classic championship game Sunday night at 9:30 on ESPN2.
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