Temple University Athletics
TEMPLE'S YOUNG FRESHMEN LEAD OWLS TO A 73-53 EXHIBITION WIN OVER MBC NIKOLAEV
11.4.02 | Men's Basketball
The Owls and Nikolaev traded baskets throughout the first half with neither team putting any distance between the other. The visitors put together leads of 15-12 and 17-14 before the Owls got on track. With the Owls trailing 19-16 with 5:24 left in the first half, the Owls got a jump-start from Chris Gaither (Leitchfield, KY/Grayson County). The freshman guard buried his first collegiate shot, a three-pointer from the left side and also contributed a steal that led to a fastbreak layup by sophomore Glen Elliott (Jacksonville, FLA/Jacksonville Bolles). That layup was part of a 9-0 wl run to end the first half, giving the Owls their largest lead of the half, 30-23. Freshmen Antywane Robinson led the Owls with nine first-half points followed by Alex Wesby with six.
The Owls then took control in the second half, opening up a 50-34 lead off back-to-back three-point baskets by senior Alex Wesby. The Owls played with four players sitting out due to suspensions but the freshmen showed what they might be capable of as the season begins. Robinson finished with 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting while Maurice Collins added 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting. Senior Alex Wesby also contributed 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting. Glen Elliott also came off the bench to score 10 points.
The Owls finish up the exhibition season on Saturday, November 16th when they take on EA Sports at The Liacouras Center at 7:00 p.m.
