Temple University Athletics
OWLS RAM RHODE ISLAND TO STAY UNBEATEN IN ATLANTIC 10 PLAY, 60-42
1.12.02 | Men's Basketball
The first half started off slow for the Owls after Rhode Island took an 8-2 lead in the first three minutes of the game. The Owls crept closer to the Rams, cutting their lead to 15-11 at the 12:58 mark after Rhode Island's Howard Smith posted ten points. Temple would then go on a 13-7 run and take the lead, 24-22, on a two-point basket and free throw by senior forward Alex Wesby. The Owls stayed on top for the remainder of the half after expanding their lead to 27-22 and holding the Rams scoreless for almost eight minutes. A three-point basket with ten seconds left by Rhode Island's Dustin Hellenga brought the Rams to within two at the end of the first half, 27-25. The Owls had balanced scoring with senior Lynn Greer leading the way with seven first half points.
The Owls would maintain their lead for the final 20 minutes, with the help of an explosive offensive effort by Polk. With senior Alex Wesby out with a right wrist injury, Polk took over the game. With the Owls up 38-34 with 11:38 left, Polk poured in 15 of his 20 second half points as the Owls opened up a 58-42 lead with just 1:11 left. Included in the run was a thunderous slam-dunk by Polk that brought the 6, 014 in attendance to their feet.
It was the second straight game that the Owls held an opponent under 50 points. The Owls have now won 50 consecutive games when holding a team under 50.
Lynn Greer followed up Polk's career-high 25 points with 15 while Kevin Lyde snagged 10 rebounds.
Howard Smith led Rhode Island with 12 points but only netted two in the second half.
The Owls now go on the road for a two-game road trip against St. Bonaventure on Wednesday, January 16 at 8:00 p.m. and Massachusetts on Saturday, January 19 at 12:00 p.m.
