Temple University Athletics
TEMPLE FALLS TO GW IN A-10 SEMIFINALS, 77-58
3.12.05 | Men's Basketball
CINCNNATI, OHIO -- George Washington used a 13-0 run midway through the second half to break open a close contest en route to a 77-58 win over Temple in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament Friday evening at the US Bank Arena. The Owls, 16-13, will now wait for an expected call from the NIT selection committee Sunday night. GW, 21-7, will take on Saint Joseph's (19-10) in the A-10 Championship game Saturday.
The Colonials used a balanced attack, featuring four double figure scorers, and an aggressive full-court trapping defense that forced the Owls into a season-high 19 turnovers. J.R. Pinnock led GW with 16 points while Pops Mensah-Bonsu tallied 14 points.
Freshman guard Mark Tyndale led all scorers with 20 points. The Owls' rookie guard also grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds to post his first collegiate double-double. Junior Antywane Robinson scored 11 of his 14 points in the second half.
Temple co-captain Mardy Collins connected on just three-of-14 shots for a season-low six points. Collins made five steals to up his A-10-leading total to 85, tying Pepe Sanchez (1998-99) for the fifth best season total in school history. He also committed an uncharacteristic six turnovers.
The Owls controlled play in the first half, leading for the better part of the period. Temple led 19-14 following a lay-up by Nehemiah Ingram (4 points, 7 rebounds) with 9:33 remaining in the half. GW scored the next six points to take a 20-19 lead. The game would stay within four points until there 14:30 to play. Then, with GW leading 44-42, the Colonials mounted their decisive run.
After nine empty possessions (five misses, four turnovers), GW led 57-42 with 10:07 remaining. The Owls never again cut the margin under double figures.
