Temple University Athletics
OWLS TO FACE GW IN A-10 SEMIFINALS
3.11.05 | Men's Basketball
CINCINNATI, OHIO - Temple (16-12) advanced to the A-10 Tournament semifinal round for the 21st time with a 61-51 win over Dayton on Thursday. The Owls will now look to win three games in a row for the first time all season when they meet the #1 seed from the West Division, George Washington (20-7), in the semifinals Friday night (8:30 p.m./CN8/WPHT 1210 AM). Temple is 13-7 all-time in A-10 semifinal games. The Owls also own a 4-1 edge in A-10 Tournament games against GW.
The Colonials won the regular season meeting, defeating the Owls, 74-58, at the Liacouras Center on February 5. Two of Temple's regular starters, Dustin Salisbery (flu) and Mark Tyndale (knee) came off the bench in that contest. GW led throughout the contest, building a 46-30 halftime lead on the strength of a 1-3-1 half court trapping defense. J.R. Pinnock came off the Colonial bench to lead all scorers with 18 points. Tyndale led Temple with 17.
Dan Leibovitz has guided Temple to a 3-1 record while serving as the team's acting coach. The 31-year-old will be looking to help head coach John Chaney win his 500th game at Temple tonight. Chaney, who is sitting out the A-10 Tournament due to his actions in the team's February 22 game against Saint Joseph's, has a 499-236 record in his 23 seasons at the University.
Temple has had more success in Atlantic 10 Tournament play than any other conference member. The Owls have won more games (41), played in more semifinal games (20) and championship games (13) than any league member past or present. Temple has also won a record six Atlantic 10 Tournament titles.
