March 2, 2021 –
Alexa Williamson Scored a Career-High 29 Points.
The Temple Owls women’s’ basketball team struggled to score over their past two games. The team bounced back in a big way setting a season-high in points scored defeating the Memphis Tigers 89 – 66 at McGonigle Hall. Temple did so behind a career-high 29 points by forward Alexa Williamson and 21 points and a collegiate-best 11 assists by guard Jasha Clinton.
Williamson was a recipient to many of those assists and credited her teammates for her career performance.
“I think the guards did a really good job of bringing the ball up the floor and seeing who was open,” Williamson said.
Williamson made 11 of 16 from the floor and sank 7 of 10 free throws. She added to her day by stealing the ball 4 times, a career-best. And the recipe for success was simple.
“Posting hard, finishes, easy buckets,” said Williamson.
By getting the ball inside the Cherry and White took a 52 – 28 edge in points in the paint.
With the offensive output highlighted, it was the defensive performance by the Owls that set the tone for the victory. Memphis turned the ball over 20 times, 15 by steals. Six Temple players registered a steal. Emani Mayo and Asonah Alexander swiped the ball three times each while Mia Davis and Jada Graves had two. Clinton added to her day with a steal.
“I thought we did a good job of pressuring and being disruptive to the point where they really couldn’t get the ball inside,” said Temple Coach Tonya Cardoiza. “We were super aggressive on the defensive side and led to easy buckets for us. When we play really good defense, it fuels us on the offensive side and today was one of those days.”
The 20 turnovers resulted in a 29 – 10 Owls advantage in points off turnovers.
Temple started quickly taking a 23 – 17 lead after one, then held Memphis to 10 second quarter points to go ahead 44 – 27 at halftime. The Owls did not let up after a fast start which is key for this team.
“It’s important making sure we have our foot on the gas and not allowing them to be in the game,” said Cardoza. “Once we broke the huddle to start the third quarter they repeated that, no let up, and make sure we finished the job.”
Emani Mayo added 14 points shooting 6 of 9 from the field. As a team the Cherry and White made half of their 70 shots. Team leading scorer Mia Davis was limited to 9. The points came from many sources and it added to the team confidence.
“Right from the start guys were being aggressive and not shying away from shooting open shots,” Cardoza said. “They were confident in know what we were trying to accomplish on the offensive end.”
Jamirah Shutes led the Tigers (4 – 13, 2 – 10) with 18 points, and Jatyjia added 10.
Temple evens their record at 10 – 10, and are 10 – 7 in the American. These teams will meet again on Thursday on North Broad Street on Thursday. Then the Owls turn their attention to the American Tournament in Fort Worth, Texas.
Prior to the game the program honored seniors Jada Graves and Nicolette Mayo for their contributions to the women’s basketball program. Mayo scored 3 points. Graves contributed 5 points and 5 rebounds.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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