Temple University Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL TAKES FLIGHT FOR OLEAN, N.Y. TO BATTLE THE BONNIES
1.30.03 | Men's Basketball
The Owls and Bonnies are meeting for the 46th time in a series that dates back to 1929, with Temple holding a 39-6 advantage in victories, including four of the last five. Temple senior Alex Wesby, who earned back a year of eligibility by graduating this past summer, is just 16 points away from reaching Temple's 1,000-point club.
Temple is coming off a disappointing 57-49 home loss to Atlantic 10 Western Division leader Dayton last Saturday afternoon. The Owls, who led 24-21 at the half, were outscored 36-25 in the second half to drop one game under .500 in conference play. John Chaney's club only turned the ball over six times to Dayton's 17, but was outrebounded 39-22. In addition, the Flyers drilled 10 three-point field goals to the Owls' five. David Hawkins led the team with 23 points while the only other Owl to hit double-figures was Wesby with 12 points.
St. Bonaventure is currently riding a four-game winning streak, including an 81-67 win at home against Rollie Massimino and Cleveland State on Tuesday night. The Bonnies were led by their dynamo guard, Marques Green, a native of Norristown, Pennsylvania, who had 25 points.
Style of play will be a key to Saturday's ballgame. The Owls rank third in the nation in fewest turnovers per game while an active Bonnies defense has forced 346 turnovers to date. Temple, noted for their matchup zone, will need to be active itself as St. Bonaventure comes into the game ranked 18th in the nation in scoring offense, averaging 80.1 points per game.
