Temple University Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL SEEKS TO SECURE SECOND PLACE IN A-10 EASTERN DIVISION WHEN IT MEETS CITY RIVAL LA SALLE THURSDAY EVENING AT THE LIACOURAS CENTER
3.4.03 | Men's Basketball
Thursday's game is being produced by the Atlantic 10 Television Network and can be seen locally on Comcast SportsNet. It is one 22 regular season games scheduled to be televised this season.
Temple is currently riding a five-game winning streak, its longest of the season, while capturing nine of its last 11 games. The Owls and Explorers are meeting for the 95th time in a series that dates back to the 1899-00 season, with Temple holding a 57-37 advantage.
The Owls are coming off a thrilling, 78-77 home win against St. Bonaventure this past Saturday. Temple let a 16-point, second half lead get away. St. Bonaventure went on a late, 8-0 run and tied the game at 76 with 42 seconds remaining on a pair of free throws before a David Hawkins, 12-foot baseline jumper with eight seconds to go gave TU a 78-76 edge. Bonnies' guard Marques Green was fouled with four seconds on the clock, but the 89.0 percent free throw shooter converted only one of two attempts. Temple placed four players in the double-digit scoring column, led by juniors Brian Polk and Hawkins, who each had 19 points. Polk also had a team high nine rebounds while playing the entire 40 minutes. Maurice "Mardy" Collins, the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week, added 16 points while senior Alex Wesby chipped in with 14.
La Salle comes into the contest following a 71-66 home victory over Duquesne last Saturday. Freshman guard Gary Neal led the way with 19 points and a career-high 11 rebounds. His two crucial free throws with 18-seconds left sealed the victory for the Explorers.
