Temple University Athletics
MOORE AND DUPREE LEAD #17/19 OWLS OVER DAYTON, 69-58, IN HOME FINALE
2.20.05 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA-- Ari Moore and Candice Dupree were dead set on making their last game together at the Liacouras Center a memorable one. After participating in pre-game ceremonies to honor seniors Moore, Cynthia Jordan and Rachel Marcus and Dupree on scoring her 1,000th career point, the offensive tandem combined for 39 points to lead the Owls over the Dayton Flyers, 69-58 on Sunday afternoon. Dupree earned her 12th double-double with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Moore scored 14 points and had three steals. Temple extends its winning streak to 19 games and improves to 22-3 overall and 14-0 in the Atlantic 10. With its 22nd win, TU ties a program record for most wins in a season, previously set during the 1988-89 season.
Though the Owls took possession of the ball at the opening tip, it was the Flyers that jumped out to the early lead off of foul shots. Kamesha Hairston scored Temple's first basket at 17:49 to take a 3-2 lead but a jumper by Cara Wright gave Dayton back the lead, a lead that they would not relinquish until the four minute mark. The Owls struggled with shooting throughout the entire half, going just 7-for-21 from the field. The Flyers gave the Owls plenty of chances to make up points, as Dayton committed 14 first-half fouls. However, Temple connected on just 12-of-20 foul shots, leaving the door open for the Flyers to control the tempo of the game. A lay-up by Moore at 4:17 gave TU an 18-16 lead and three free throws by Khadija Bowens made it 21-18 with 3:45 remaining. The Flyers refused to go away and went on a 9-5 run to end the half, taking a 27-26 lead into the locker rooms. The 27-26 deficit marked the first time since December 21, and just the fifth time this season, that the Owls went into the half without the lead.
Dayton began the second-half scoring at 19:00 to increase its lead to three, 29-26. A three-pointer by Jennifer Strong made it 32-36. Dupree, who was triple-teamed all day, made a fade-away jumper at 18:16 for Temple's first tally of the half and cut Dayton's lead to four points. Temple proceeded to go on a 9-4 run to take a 37-36 lead at 14:26. Though the Flyers continued to try to keep it close, Temple opened up as much as a 14 point lead on its way to the 69-58 victory. Dupree scored 19 second-half points and Moore chipped in with 10 to give Temple the win.
Hairston posted a game-high four steals to go along with her eight points and nine rebounds. Marcus blocked her first collegiate shot in a career-high nine minutes of action.
Cara Wright led Dayton with 20 points and 14 rebounds. She added three steals. Strong scored 18 points off of 4-5 shooting from the three-point range and added two steals. Terri Ramsey dished a game-high five assists.
Next up for the Owls is a trip to Amherst, when they take on the Massachusetts Minutewomen on February 24 at 7:00 p.m.
