PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1/16/2018 – The weather inside for the Temple Owls tonight was the Houston Cougars raining three’s. Houston made 15 shots from beyond the arc, the highest number of three-pointers made by the Cougars this season, and defeated the Owls 99 – 75 at McGonigle Hall. Temple (9 – 8, 1 – 4) dropped their third straight American game.
“We knew coming into this game that Houston was going to be a match up problem in they like to shoot three’s,” said Temple Coach Tonya Cardoza. “In the first half they were really hot. They way they play you have to be disciplined and able to guard their shooters and dribble penetration.”
The shots from beyond the arc were falling early for the Cougars who made 8 of 12 triples in the first quarter then went 3 for 6 in the second quarter. Temple went 14 of 31 in the first half, not a bad percentage, but the opponent had ten more three-pointers. Not a good sign. For the game the Cougars made 15 of 26 (57.7%) from distance exceeding their season average of 41.1%. It was the highest number of three-pointers made by Houston this season. Overall, the Cougars made 21 baskets from inside. Cardoza felt the Owls needed better help defense.
“If you go out and try to stop the three, they are going to drive by you,” Cardoza said. “We are more concerned about our man and not helping.”
Team leading scorer Jasmyne Harris had a game-high 29 points making 10 f 15 from the floor, 4 of 6 from deep. Angela Harris turned in a 24-point performance. The sophomore guard made 5 of 7 three-pointers which tied a career-high. Seritha Hawkins scored 12 points and took down a game-best 8 rebounds. Octavia Barnes handed out a career-mark 6 assists.
Temple had more success on fast breaks and going to the basket. Inside the arc the Cherry and White made 20 of 41, roughly half of those shots. However, Temple converted 6 of 15 three-pointers, 5 coming in second half. Mia Davis led the Owls with 20 points. Tanaya Atkinson also scored 20. Emani Mayo added 14 points playing all 40 minutes. She had 3 assists and just 2 turnovers against a pressure defense, and guarding Angela Harris. Breanna Perry had 7 rebounds which tied a career-high.
“I thought she (Mayo) did a good job of not letting Harris get inside, and I don’t think she scored on Emani in the second half.”
Houston came off a 35-point performance against Connecticut in their previous game. Temple faces UConn on Sunday in their next game, so let’s see what happens then. Partly cloudy skies and moderate temperatures are predicted.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Be the first to comment