Temple University Athletics
DUPREE EARNS DOUBLE-DOUBLE TO LIFT #21/20 TEMPLE OVER OREGON, 51-46
11.12.05 | Women's Basketball
EUGENE, OR - Candice Dupree earned her first double-double of the year and tournament MVP honors, as the #21/20 Temple women's basketball team defeated host Oregon, 51-46, in the championship game of the Women's Sports Foundation Classic at the University of Oregon. Dupree scored 21 points and grabbed 15 rebounds, 13 of which were defensive. She added three steals and one block and assist to her all-star performance. Kamesha Hairston was also named to the All-Tournament Team. Temple improves to 2-0 on the year, while the Ducks fall to 1-1.
Oregon took an early lead and led 7-4 by the 17 minute mark. Dupree scored eight straight points, however, to allow the Owls to take a 12-7 lead by 14:00. Gabrielle Richards finally broke the Duck scoring drought at 13:07, a full five minute gap, and a Haring jumper made it 12-11 Temple at 12:30. The Ducks continued to battle back and a trey by Brandi Davis at 2:42 gave Oregon a 23-20 advantage. Temple shot just 27% from the field, giving Oregon a 25-22 edge at the half.
Play was intense in the second half, with each team taking turns with the lead. With the score tied at 43 with just 3:19 to plau, it looked as though it could be anyone's game. Richard sank a free throw to give Oregon a 44-43 edge and hist again for a 46-43 lead. Dupree closed the gap and got Temple within one (46-45) and Khadija Bowens made it 47-46 Temple with 1:38 remaining. Jennifer Owens sank two free throws with 29 seconds to go to ensure the TU win and Hairston added two more for the eventual 51-46 win.
"Sometimes I forget that our players are very young," Staley said. "They played resiliently and stuck to our game plan. We made adjustments and they stuck with them."
Hairston had 14 points on the day to go along with three steals. Nicole Pittman pulled down a career-high six boards and Bowens chipped in with 8 points.
Richards led the Ducks with 20 points and 12 boards for a spot on the All-Tournament team.
Temple returns home to take on Drexel on November 19 at 7 p.m. in the Owls' home opener.
