Temple University Athletics
BOWENS' 21 LEADS #21/19 TEMPLE OVER PENN, 72-53
11.22.05 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA- Khadija Bowens netted 21 points, including 14 first-half points, to lead #21/19 Temple to a Philadelphia Big 5 win over the University of Penn Quakers, 72-53, on Tuesday night at the Palestra. The Owls, who improve to 4-0 overall, overcame a poor first-half performance where they made just 14 of 33 shots to shoot 53.3% from the field in the second half, as opposed to the Quakers' 30.4%. Candice Dupree, who also scored in double figures, scored 15 of her 17 total points in the second half, while Kamesha Hairston contributed 14 points.
The Quakers were able to keep pace with the top-ranked Owls in the first half, never allowing Temple to lead by more than three points. With All-America Candidate Dupree held without a basket for the first 15 minutes of the game and Hairston making just three of nine shots, Bowens was the lone offensive superpower for Temple. The Quakers took an early lead, but Bowens battled back to score 10 of Temple's next 12 points to tie the score at 11:20. The score was tied twice more before the Owls were able to take the lead for good with a Hairston jumper with 4:36 remaining and a 6-0 run down the stretch gave Temple a 28-24 lead at the break. Lady Comfort came up big on the defensive end, leading the squad with six boards.
The second half was all Temple as the team went on a series of runs, slowing wearing down the Quaker defense until the Owls led by as much as 21, 66-45, by the three minute mark. Dupree exploded for 15 second half points, complimented by Hairston's eight and Bowens' seven to keep the Owls undefeated in overall and Big Five play.
Hairston was also a dominating force on defense, totaling 4 steals, three blocks and five rebounds. Bowens had three steals. Comfort and Dupree led Temple with eight rebounds a piece.
Jennifer Fleischer paced Penn with a double double off of 12 points and 11 rebounds. Joey Rhoads and Monica Naltner chipped in with 10 points a piece.
Temple continues road play with a game against Hampton on Sunday, November 27 at 6 p.m.
