Fans from both schools packed the stands and helped set the McGonigle Hall record for largest attendance this Sunday afternoon as the Owls took on the top ranked UConn Huskies. The Owls came into the game winning six in a row but that pales in comparison to the Huskies 60-game win streak.
This defeat leaves the Temple Women’s basketball team in third place in the American Conference with a 17-8 overall record, and 11-3 in conference play. UConn still remains at the top of the conference standings, with a 24-0 overall record, and a conference record of 13-0 in the American.
The Owls were able to generate momentum throughout the first quarter, as they looked confident and unscathed by their undefeated opponent. However, as the first quarter came to a close, the Huskies were able to pick up a few points to establish a seven point lead.
Sophomore guard Tanaya Atkinson, fresh off of a career high game in scoring, was able to record six points early in the first quarter to give the Owls a two point lead. However, she was unable to stay hot as she ended the game shooting 3 for 18 from the floor.
Sophomore guard Alliya Butts shot 6 for 18 from the field, with two of those shots coming from beyond the arc.
The Owls were overwhelmed in the paint, allowing 54 points.
They also had a hard time shutting down arguably the number one player in the nation, Breanna Stewart. She scored from all over the court, shooting 11 for 18 recording 24 points. Stewart was also a thorn in the side of the Owls defensively as she blocked 6 shots and 4 steals.
Senior guard Erica Covile had a solid defensive turnout, garnering 4 steals. However, the tale of this game would be that the Owls could not capitalize on turnovers. They only scored 16 points after turnovers compared to UConn’s 22.
The Owls were unable to finish successful runs in this game as they only held the lead once early in the first quarter and their largest lead was by 2 points.
The Owls will take on the Memphis Tigers in Memphis this Thursday at 8 p.m.
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