Temple University Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS TO MEMPHIS, 64-54
12.20.01 | Men's Basketball
Temple (3-6) turned in a poor shooting night --especially from three-point range-- and was once again out-rebounded in suffering its fourth-straight loss. The Owls managed to connect on just 21-of-63 shots from the field (33.3%), including a disappointing 4-of-21 (19.0%) from beyond the arc. Memphis (8-3) won the battle of the boards, 44-40, and hit on 23-of-58 shots from the field (39.7%), including 5-of-11 (45.5%) from three-point range.
Both teams failed to find the mark in the early going, as Temple lumbered to a 6-0 lead more four minutes into the game. A three-pointer by Wagner finally got the Tigers off zero at the 14:55 mark and Memphis took its first lead at 11-10 on a short-range jump shot by Scooter McFagdon. The lead changed hands eight times over the next nine minutes, until Memphis took it for good with 1:30 remaining in the half on a layup by Kelly Wise. Memphis outscored the Owls 6-1 to close out the period and held a 33-26 margin into the break.
In the second half, Temple never could manage to close the gap. The Owls cut the margin to 38-35 on a layup by Alex Wesby, but a 6-2 run capped by Earl Barron's short jumper put the Tigers up 44-37 with 13:26 to play. A three-pointer by Anthony Rice at the 8:46 mark gave Memphis it largest lead of the contest at 56-44 and the Owls could not recover.
Lynn Greer led the Owls with 22 points, while Kevin Lyde and Wesby each scored 10. Wesby also led the Owls on the boards with nine rebounds, followed by Lyde with eight. Greer also passed for six assists but committed an uncharacteristic five turnovers. McFagdon paced Memphis with a solid 22-point, eight-rebound effort, while Wagner checked in with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting from the field. Point guard Antonio Burks passed for 11 assists.
Temple hosts DePaul in a 1:00 p.m. start on Saturday.
