Temple Came Back But Suffers a Tough 59 – 57 Defeat
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1/14/2024 –
It was a game where Temple trailed for most of it. Still, the Owls were in contention. The final charge fell just short when a last second three-pointer did not find the net. The Cherry and White falls 59 – 57 to the Memphis Tigers at the Liacouras Center.
The team came into the game looking to increase a winning streak to three games, their season-high. Memphis was on a streak, too, a six game losing streak. Both trends ended.
Temple did not shoot the ball well making 17 of 51 shots (33.3%) and 22 turnovers became a lethal combination. Memphis had a 19 – 13 edge in points off turnovers. In a game this close, that was a deciding factor.
Memphis lead 23 – 16 at halftime. The hosts got back to within 40 – 36 after three quarters. The fourth quarter saw the Owls fall behind by 53 – 45 with 2:59 on on the clock. The Tigers did not get a field goal after that layup by Alasia Smith, who scored a team-high 18 points. They got only 6 free throws the rest of the way. The deficit stood a 57 – 49 with 41 seconds. Time for one last charge.
Temple went on an 8 – 2 run and got to within a basket after Tristen Taylor made 2 free throws at the 7 second mark. Memphis missed two free throws. The Owls had one last chance. Taylor put up a three-pointer, a potential game winner, but it missed.
Aleah Nelson scored a game-high 19 points making 6 of 12 and 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Rayne Tucker took down 13 rebounds.
Madison Griggs scored 14 points and Shelbee Brown added 10. Smith grabbed a team-best 10 caroms. Memphis sank only 1 of 13 from distance.
Temple drops to 9 – 8 and 3 – 2 in the American. Charlotte comes to town next Sunday.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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