Temple University Athletics
#20 TEMPLE WOMEN STIFLE DUQUESNE DUKES, 79-44
2.5.06 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA- Kamesha Hairston and Khadija Bowens each netted 16 points as #20 Temple (17-5, 8-2 A-10) downed the visiting Duquesne Dukes (9-13, 4-7), 79-44, on Sunday afternoon at the Liacouras Center. The Owls were unstoppable in the first half, tying a Liacouras Center record for field goal percentage in a half, shooting a blistering 61.5%, and held the Dukes to just 12 points at the break. Candice Dupree also saw double figures with 13 points, as Temple lead by as many as 42 point en route to its third straight victory.
The Owls raced out to a 21-0 lead to begin the game, holding the Dukes scoreless and forcing 10 turnovers. Britney Warren converted two free throws with 10:30 remaining to give DU its first points on the board and Loui Hall earned Duquesne its first field goal at the 9 minute mark, but Temple had already built a 27-5 lead. The Owls continued to dominate, going on a 17-7 run to end the half and taking a 45-12 lead at the break. Duquesne shot just 22.2% from the field in the first stanza, making just four-of-18 field goals and committed 20 turnovers. Bowens scored 14 points off of 4-of-8 shooting, while Hairston chipped in with 10 points. Ironically, Temple was outrebounded 16-10.
Temple showed no signs of stopping in the second half, as the Owls increased their lead to as many as 42 points (66-24) with just over 11 minutes to play. As Temple's reserves earned career-highs in minutes, points and rebounds, the Dukes were able to lessen the gap slightly but the damage had already been done.
Temple finished the game shooting 51% from the field after the reserves went 9-23 in the second stanza, while Duquesne finished with just a 31.5% result. Rebounding proved to be a bright spot for the Dukes, as they outrebounded the Owls, 34-33.;
Shenita Landry led Temple with 7 boards and four blocks, while Lady Comfort grabbed six. Gwen Browne earned a career-high three steals. Dupree and Hairston dished four assists a piece to lead the Owls.
Carmen Bruce was the lone Duquesne player to see double figures, earning 10 on the day.Warren had a team-high four assists, while Hall was the Dukes' top rebounder with five.
The Owls go on the road next weekend, traveling to A-10 newcomer Saint Louis on February 10 at 7 p.m. and to Richmond on February 12 at 2 p.m.
