Temple University Athletics
DESPITE TYING A SCHOOL RECORD WITH 19 THREE POINTERS, MEN'S BASKETBALL SUFFERS 91-80 LOSS AT CHARLOTTE
12.4.02 | Men's Basketball
Once again, rebounding contributed to the defeat. The 49ers cleaned the glass 41 times, while the Owls grabbed 31 rebounds.
The lead changed hands seven times in a tightly contested first half before 6,080 fans at Halton Arena. A capacity crowd was expected at the 9,105-seat venue, but inclement weather kept many Charlotte (2-2) fans at home by their radios. Temple shot 48.3 percent (14-29) in the initial stanza, including 52.9 percent (9-17) from three point range. Temple scored the final eight points of the first half and entered the locker room at the midpoint with a 38-35 advantage. It marked the first time this season the Owls held a halftime lead.
After the break, Charlotte put on a shooting display of its own, shooting 56.7 percent (17-30) from the field, including 62.5 percent (10-16) from behind the arc. Temple's last lead of the contest came on an Antywane Robinson three-ball with 16:15 showing on the clock that gave the Cherry & White a 45-44 lead. 49er Chris Sager promptly hit his own three, one of five in the second half, with 16:05 to go in the game and the home team never looked back. The 49ers' largest lead of the game was 14 points (83-69), which came with 1:08 to play.
Maurice Collins and David Hawkins each scored 19 points to pace the Owls in the scoring column.
Temple returns to Philadelphia to take on Penn in a Big Five contest at the Palestra this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. The Owls then take Flight for Penn State (Dec. 11) and Illinois (Dec. 14) to complete a program-record six consecutive road games.
