Temple Hangs on In Final Seconds Over PSU
In what was once again not a pretty shooting performance, the Temple Owls were able to defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions for the sixth time in a row by a score of 45-42.
Both teams struggled early on to score points. At halftime, the score was a mere 22 points apiece. As the final score indicates, the overall game was not high scoring.
Temple was unable to lead in the game until shortly into the second half. The Owls were able to keep the game relatively close at all times, but were just not able to take a lead in the first 20 minutes. The team was able to bounce back and eventually win the game.
Here are Temple's leading performers:
Ryan Brooks (19 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist) Lavoy Allen (8 points, 12 rebounds, 2 asissts) Luis Guzman (8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists) Juan Fernandez (6 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists) Craig Williams (2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist) Rahlir Jefferson (2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist)
The majority of the Owls' offense came from senior guard Ryan Brooks, leading with 19 points. Although at times he was cold shooting the basketball, he was able to turn things around by hitting a shot when the Owls needed it. Two of those points, also, were significant foul shouts that helped certify an Owl win.
The other key player in this game would be Luis Guzman, responsible for several of Temple's second chance points. Guzman was able to get into positions to clean up missed layups by the Temple bigs, and score points to keep the game close.
Lavoy Allen was able to rack up 12 rebounds, something he had struggled with against both Western Michigan and St. John's in previous games. His ability to pull down these boards kept Penn State from many (if any) second chance opportunities.
However, the story of this game would be the defensive effort by both teams. The low scoring game can be attributed to the lack of quality shooting, but also the defensive pressure brought on by both teams. In fact, the final possessions of the game were decided by defensive efforts. The Owls were able to force a turnover, which led to the Ryan Brooks free throws, followed by more pressure that didn't even allow Talor Battle to get off the game-tying shot.
Temple was able to hold the unbelievable scoring talent in Talor Battle to 8 points. Coming off the bench, guard Chris Babb was the player for the Nittany Lions who caused to most damage and trouble for the Owls. He was the only player on his team as well to score double digits.
Temple's record improves to (6-2)(0-0), and the Owls will head onto the road to take on Miami (OH).
Penn State's record goes to (5-3)(0-0), and will go back home to play UMBC.
The Owls' Nest will keep you updated and informed on Temple's upcoming game against the Redhawks. Be sure to follow us on twitter as well!
