Temple University Athletics
Women's Basketball Opens Dawn Staley Era in Winning Fashion
11.17.00 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA - Christine Cruz (16), Stacey Smalls (14), Regan Apo (12), Lisa Jakubowicz (12), Athena Christoforakis (12) and Ieesha Turnage (10) all scored in double figures as the Temple women's basketball team opened the Dawn Staley era in record-breaking fashion with a victory over Lehigh 89-55 at the Liacouras Center Friday night.
The 34 point victory in coach Staley's debut broke several Liacouras Center records including points (was 81, now 89) and field goals made (was 31, now 33) and the Owls tied the record for field goals attempted in their home arena with 74. Despite the comfortable margin of victory, Temple suffered a few anxious moments early on and went into their lockerroom at halftime with a 39-35 lead. In the second half, the Owls dismantled any hopes of a Lehigh victory by turning up their defensive pressure and capitalizing on the offensive opportunities the defense created.
The much-heralded Cruz had an impressive line in her first regular season college game as she nearly recorded a triple double. To go along with her 16 points, Cruz grabbed 10 rebounds and dished out eight assists, leading the new-look Owls in all three categories. Christoforakis, a junior college transfer from Daytona Beach Community College, posted a double-double by corralling 10 rebounds to go along with her 12 points. Temple defensive pressure forced 28 Lehigh turnovers including 20 Owls' steals in the contest.
Anne Tierney led Lehigh with a game-high 18 points and 10 rebounds but she was the only Mountainhawk to post double figure scoring or rebounding numbers.
In the end, the numbers were impressive. The Owls put six players in double figures, won the turnover battle 28-14, Cruz-ed to a 34 point win and sent the Liacouras Center crowd home with much to talk about. So far so good. Next up, a home game vs. Marist Tuesday, November 21, at 7:00 p.m.
