(PHILADELPHIA, PA) The Owls had a great first half, going shot for shot with Memphis. Both Jalen Duren and DeAndre Williams dominated low, but Temple’s outside scoring and physical defense kept them in the game. The Owls went into the half down 33-32, with Jahlil White leading them in points with nine.
Jah for 3 to break the tie. 30 – 27 Owls @jahlilwhite13 pic.twitter.com/RjKVdtUrVL
— Temple Men's Basketball (@TUMBBHoops) February 25, 2022
Temple limited Memphis’s efficiency throughout the beginning of the second half and found themselves only down three with 13 minutes remaining. The Tigers ran their offense from the inside out and took over the game from that point on. Over the next seven minutes, the Tigers increased the lead from three to 19, primarily scoring with Landers Nolley II and DeAndre Williams.
Temple’s offense went stale during the second half, as the full-court press from Memphis diminished the Owl’s momentum. They couldn’t set up any half-court sets and continued forcing the ball inside and turning it over. Tai Strickland continued to find himself taking contested shots as he finished the game, shooting just 3-10 from the field and three turnovers.
After taking a big lead, Memphis never looked back and kept feeding the ball inside. Big-men Nick Jourdain, Arashma Parks, and Emmanuel Okpomo were forced into foul trouble, forcing Temple to go small-ball against the best front-court in the AAC. Even with Hysier Miller scoring a career-high 16 points, Memphis kept their tournament hopes alive with a 78-64 win.
Tough drive and score for Hysier to answer a run by Memphis. Owls trail 43 – 39 at the media timeout. Miller leads the Owls with 11 points.@hysier pic.twitter.com/ZqB945lwXA
— Temple Men's Basketball (@TUMBBHoops) February 25, 2022
In this upcoming NBA draft, Jalen Duren showed off why he is a top-five prospect, ending with a career-high 22 points, six rebounds, three steals, and three blocks. His ability to guard any position with excellent lateral quickness while also standing at 6’11 with a 7’5 wingspan is incredible. Duren found himself defending Damian Dunn and Hysier Miller through pick-and-roll switches and held his own incredibly.
A hand in on D, running the floor, and slamming it home! That’s Jalen! 😤#GoTigersGo | #TunnelVision pic.twitter.com/AaQ6fn2K6c
— Memphis Basketball (@Memphis_MBB) February 25, 2022
His front-court partner DeAndre Williams had a fantastic game alongside Duren, scoring 19 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Williams got himself into early foul trouble but made the most of his limited 29 minutes, primarily coming in the second half.
Coming off the bench for Tai Strickland, Jahlil White had a fantastic game, finishing with 17 points, five rebounds, and one steal. White was primarily scoring off of jump shots rather than driving and forcing contact, unlike previous games. If White continues his offensive game, he could find himself as one of the best two-way players in the AAC as soon as next season.
Jeremiah Williams provided great defensive size off the bench in his first contest back from a shoulder injury. Even with his defensive intensity, he struggled taking care of the ball, ending the night with just four points and three turnovers. It was evident that he had not healed from his injury.
Zach Hicks provided valuable minutes off the bench, having 11 points, four rebounds, and a career-high four steals. Being 6’8 and the skillset of a guard, Coach McKie should soon consider sliding him into the starting lineup with Temple’s lack of size defensively.
After starting very slow and having chemistry issues, Penny Hardaway has brought this Tigers team up from the ground. After a three-game losing streak, Memphis has won five of their last six. Over that time, Jalen Duren is averaging a ridiculous 15 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
NEXT UP
Falling to fifth in the AAC, Temple heads back to Philadelphia to take on their biggest rivals of the year, the 9-6 Tulane Green Wave. This game will determine who will earn the four seed heading into the AAC tournament. Their previous matchup ended in a 92-83 overtime win for the Green Wave. The game will be aired Sunday, February 27th at 3:00 ET on ESPNU.
