Temple University Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL TO MEET RHODE ISLAND IN KEY A-10 EAST SHOWDOWN WEDNESDAY AT THE LIACOURAS CENTER
2.18.03 | Men's Basketball
Temple's schedule is currently ranked as the fourth toughest in the nation according to the latest (Feb. 17) Sagarin ratings. TU has played two teams currently ranked among the top 10 toughest schedules according to Sagarin, defeating Indiana (No. 3) at home 71-64 while losing to South Carolina (No. 10) on the road, 66-47.
Temple is coming off a 76-54 victory over North Carolina State at home last Saturday afternoon in a nationally televised game on ABC. The Owls broke open a close game at the half to defeat the Wolfpack 76-54 and earn their first victory over the Atlantic Coast Conference member school in seven attempts.
Leading 26-25 entering the second half, Temple's stingy defense held the Wolfpack without a field goal for the first 6:25 while racing out to a 37-25 advantage. Four Owls hit double figures, led by freshman Maurice Collins who had 18 points. Alex Wesby had a double-double, scoring all 10 of his points in the second half to go along with his game-high 11 rebounds.
The Owls will go with a different starting lineup for the first time this season when they meet the Rams Wednesday night. Junior Brian Polk is slated to replace freshman forward Antywane Robinson, who suffered a sprained right ankle approximately nine minutes into the North Carolina State game. Polk finished with 10 points and a game-high three steals against the Wolfpack.
Rhode Island comes into the contest following a 93-70 defeat to No. 16 Xavier in Cincinnati, Ohio last Saturday afternoon. The Rams, however, have won eight of their last 11 games. The Owls defeated Rhode Island in Kingston on January 22, 71-68.
