PHOTO RECEIVED FROM THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER / STEVEN M. FALK
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) Both teams surprisingly came out the gates very slow, as both teams came into this game on a four-game win streak. SMU was struggling to hit from beyond the arc, something they have excelled at so far this season, shown as star point guard Kendrick Davis went into the locker room with just four points to his name, all coming on free throws.
Temple showed their physicality on the defensive side, holding SMU to just 31 points in the first half. Although playing great defense, the Owls couldn’t find a rhythm offensively, as they only shot 35% from the field on the game.
SMU came out on a quick 5-0 run starting the second half, forcing Temple to call a timeout. The Owls returned with tough defense and excellent transition play and retook the lead 46-42 with ten remaining minutes.
The Mustangs proceeded to dominate the rest of the game, as they outscored the Owls 27-15 from that point on. Kendrick Davis found his rhythm, scoring seven points in the last ten minutes. Marcus Weathers dominated the game inside, finishing with 27 points and nine rebounds in the 69-61 win.
.@150__KD takes it himself this time for @SMUBasketball https://t.co/uIefBpSqvk x #AmericanHoops pic.twitter.com/0VHrxY9Br3
— American MBB (@American_MBB) January 29, 2022
Temple showed their inconsistencies offensively, having a great mix of hot and cold streaks throughout the game. Damian Dunn led the Owls in scoring with 16 points yet shot 0-4 within the last five minutes of the loss.
Jeremiah Williams had one of his best shooting games of the season, scoring 13 points, including 3-4 from three. He also showed why he’s one of the best defensive guards in the conference, as he forced Davis to end the night with six turnovers.
JWill shoots and we take the lead! pic.twitter.com/sEijQMsYsE
— Temple Men's Basketball (@TUMBBHoops) January 29, 2022
Jahlil White had another Draymond Green-type stat-line, accumulating 11 rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Offensively he struggled to get to the basket, as he shot 2-12 from the field.
In his limited playing time, junior forward Sage Tolbert III proved why he should get more minutes, as he had nine points and one steal at halftime. Being the oldest player in the current rotation, he brings fantastic poise and IQ to this young core.
With the loss, Temple dropped to fifth in the American standings, three games back from the 7-0 Houston Cougars, and tied with the 5-4 Memphis Tigers.
AMERICAN ATHLETIC NEWS
Jalen Cook and Kevin Cross led the Tulane Green Wave to a one-point victory over the 1-5 Wichita State Shockers. If the Shockers had pulled out the win, Temple would be sitting fourth in the AAC, tied with Tulane. This win moves the Green Wave up to 6-3 in conference play, taking over the third spot behind SMU and Houston.
(7) Houston blew out UCF 63-49, holding their undefeated record in conference play. Kyler Edwards led the Cougars with 17 points and seven rebounds. Houston is looking to get revenge on their final four loss last season.
In the battle of the bums, Tulsa destroys South Florida 76-45 for their first conference win of the season. Jeriah Horne and Sam Griffin led the Golden Hurricane, each scoring 20+ points, while the Bulls only had one player score double digits.
NEXT UP
After breaking their four-game winning streak, Temple looks to bounce back against the 2-6 East Carolina Pirates. Coach Aaron McKie expects junior forward Jake Forrester to return after missing multiple games with an illness.
