Temple University Athletics
WOMEN'S BASKETBALL FALLS TO PENN DESPITE DUPREE'S CAREER-HIGH 29 POINTS
12.9.03 | Women's Basketball
Joining Dupree in double figures were junior guard Cynthia Jordan and senior guard Christena Hamilton with 10 points apiece. Hamilton also had a game and career-high seven assists and added six rebounds.
Jewel Clark led Penn with game-highs of 30 points and 12 rebounds. Mikaelyn Austin was the only other Quaker in double figures.
Looking at the final team statistics, it is hard to believe the Owls lost. Temple out-rebounded its opponent for the first time this season, 37-32. The Owls also shot 40 percent from the field, held the edge in three-point shooting (37.5% to 29.4%), blocked shots (3-1) and had a slight advantage in free throw shooting (78.9% to 76.5%). The Owls did lose the turnover battle (TU 15, UP 12) and came up short in steals where Penn had a nine to six edge.
"Right now our offense is not the problem," said coach Dawn Staley. "We rarely had three players in double figures last season and we are getting that consistently this season. We just need to improve on the defensive end of the floor. We are giving up far too many easy looks and not forcing our opponents to take more difficult shots."
Temple which fell to 2-2 on the season will next host Kentucky on Saturday, December 13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Liacouras Center. The game will be the first half of a women's/men's doubleheader and the men will face Penn State, scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. tip-off.
