The Texas Owls Down the Philly Owls 77 – 66
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 2/25/2026 –
The Temple Owls came into the game planning to give the Rice Owls their first defeat in the American. That plan did not come to fruition as Rice improves to 15 – 0 in conference with a 77 – 66 win over Temple at the Liacouras Center in a game that Rice never trailed.
“It was a tough game and I think we could have done better,” said Temple Coach Diane Richardson. “I think we could have shown what talents we have, but without the consistency we came up on the losing end.”
Cherry and White guard Kaylah Turner scored a game-high 22 points while forward Jalessa Molina scored 17 points and took down 11 rebounds for her 9th double-double of the season. Guard Dominique Ennis scored 21 points for Rice and forward Shelby Hayes added 19 points.
Execution the Key for Rice
This game turned to the visitors because they were able to execute their offense. Rice shared the ball getting 24 assists on 30 field goals. Guard Victoria Flores handed out a game-high 8 assists. And they made 53.6% from the floor (30 of 56) and 8 of 19 three pointers. They are an experienced team and kept Temple on their heels.
“They have been playing together for a long, long time,” Richardson said. “They run their sets and are very used to running those sets. They’ve got a senior laden team, so they play off each other. Unfortunately. we don’t have that same thing going for us right now. But we’re getting there.”
Temple made 20 of 53 shots (47.2%) but drained only 2 of 10 from beyond the arc. The stats were aided by Temple making 7 of 13 in the fourth quarter. In the first three quarters the hosts shot 45% (18 of 40) compared to 56% (23 of 41) for visitors.
Turnovers continue to plague Temple who had 20 turnovers, a few unforced, while Rice committed 13 miscues.
“There are some games where we are under control, and we’re working in it,” Richardson said about turnovers. “In a game situation, it’s a game situation. Sometimes we cough it up, or we travel, or throw the ball out of bounds, or throw it to the tubas, whatever.”
Up Next
Rice improves to 25 – 3 overall. They look to extend their 20-game winning streak against Tulsa at home.
Temple (12 – 15, 6 – 9) will try to return to winning ways at UAB on Saturday.
“We’ve got to show what we have and not let people take it from us,” said Richardson.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
Be the first to comment