Temple University Athletics
Temple University
Delaware
Owls Open Season With Convincing 76-56 WIn at Delaware
11.14.09 | Men's Basketball
Ryan Brooks leads all scorers with career-high 23 points
NEWARK, DE -- Senior Ryan Brooks scored a career-high 23 points and sophomore Juan Fernandez added 14 to lead the two-time defending Atlantic 10 Champion Temple Owls to a 76-56 win at Delaware in the season opener for both teams. The game was part of the Philly Hoop Group Classic which also includes Temple's home opener against Kent State on November 21 as well as games against Virginia Tech (Nov. 27) and St. John's (Nov. 28) at The Palestra over Thanksgiving weekend.
Fans wondering how the "post-Christmas" Owls would be, found the 2009-10 Cherry and White to have its same intense defense that has helped the program win the last two A-10 titles and a more balanced scoring attack that featured six players with seven or more points.
"No one person can replace Dionte Christmas," said junior forward Lavoy Allen."So we all have to contribute."
Allen, a preseason first team All-Atlantic 10 Conference pick, did so on the glass, pulling down a game-high 15 rebounds while chipping in with nine points and blocking two shots.
Brooks, surprisingly left off preseason all-conference honors, scored 20 points for the third time in his career, making eight of his 14 shots while grabbing nine rebounds.
Fernandez was the only other Owl in double figures while also dishing a game-high five assists. Junior sharpshooter Craig Williams (8 points) came off the bench to drain all three of his shots, the last one, however resulted in a sprained knee. He is status is day-to-day.
Senior Luis Guzman (8 points) got the nod in the starting lineup and rewarded head coach Fran Dunphy with a perfect shooting night as well as dishing three assists. Sophomore Michael Eric added seven points and five rebounds.
After falling behind 5-0 early, the Owls scored nine straight points, part of a 30-5 run that broke the game wide-open, 30-10, with just under eight minutes to play. Brooks led the way with 12 of his points in the decisive stretch.
Delaware, led by Jawan Carter's 17 points, was never able to cut into the margin the remainder of the game.
The Owls' biggest lead came after Guzman converted two free throws at the 2:46 mark to make it 74-45. That was just moments after Dunphy had cleared his bench.
"It was a good team win," Dunphy said. "Defense was the key for us today, especially early on."
The Owls next travel to #20/21 Georgetown for a nationally-televised game against the Hoyas as part of ESPN's College Hoops Tip-Off Marathon on Tuesday. The special 4:00 p.m. tip will be televised live by ESPN and can also be heard on The Big Talker, 1210 AM WPHT.
