Temple University Athletics
MEN'S BASKETBALL TO TAKE ON VIRGINIA TECH IN NIT TUESDAY
3.15.05 | Men's Basketball
BLACKSBURG, VA - Hall of Fame head coach John Chaney returns to the Temple University sidelines following a five-game absence to lead his Owls in first round NIT action against the Virginia Tech Hokies Tuesday night (8:00 p.m./ESPNU/WPHT 1210 AM). Chaney, who was serving a suspension following an incident during the Saint Joseph's game of February 22, will be attempting to win his 500th game at Temple.
This is Temple's 22nd straight postseason trip under Chaney, and fourth straight NIT appearance. The Owls are 7-4 in NIT games during the Chaney Era, advancing to the 2002 NIT Final Four.
Temple, which owns a perfect 9-0 record against Virginia Tech, is led by first team all-Atlantic 10 Conference performer Mardy Collins. The 6-6 junior point guard leads the team in scoring (17.6 ppg.), rebounding (5.7 rpg.), assists (3.7 apg.) and steals (2.9 spg.). All-Atlantic 10 Rookie Team selection Mark Tyndale is second in scoring (12.7 ppg.) and rebounding (5.5 rpg.) while sophomore Dustin Salisbery give the squad offensive punch (10.5 ppg.) off the bench.
Virginia Tech, in its first season of play in the ACC, is led by Zabian Dowdell (14.5 ppg./62 three-pointers). Carlos Dixon (13.8 ppg./50 three-pointers) give second-year coach Seth Greenberg two perimeter threats while Coleman Collins (11.5 ppg./6.7 rpg.) and Jamon Gordon (10.9 ppg.) also average double-figure points.
A former member of the A-10, Virginia Tech and Temple met seven times in league play from 1995-96 through 1999-2000.
