Temple University Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL RETURNS HOME FOR A WEDNESDAY NIGHT MEETING WITH RHODE ISLAND
1.13.04 | Men's Basketball
Rhode Island, off to its best start (12-4. 1-1 in A-10) since 1997-98, is led by Philadelphia native and Martin Luther King High product Dawan Robinson. The 6-2, junior guard is tied for fifth in the Atlantic 10 in scoring with a team-leading 17.8 average. He also ranks eighth in the conference in assists with a team-best 4.06 average. Someone besides Robinson will have to step up for third-year coach Jim Baron's Rams as his team will be without the services of senior guard Brian Woodward (14.6 ppg.), who will sit out a one-game University-imposed suspension due to an altercation in the team's loss to Xavier on Sunday. Junior guard Dustin Hellenga is the Rams' other double-figure scorer with a 12.0 average while sophomore reserve Terrence Mack (5.4 ppg., 3.8 rpg.), a product of nearby Episcopal Academy, will join Robinson in the "homecoming" festivities.
Senior guard David Hawkins (22.9 ppg.) continues to be a one-man show for the Owls (4-7, 0-2) on the offensive end. The All-America candidate accounts for 37.2 percent of Temple's scoring, by far the best in the nation in that category. Hall of Fame coach John Chaney has enjoyed much success against the Rams, owning a 37-11 record all-time versus URI. The Owls have also won the last eight meetings in the series, including a three-game sweep last season.
