Temple University Athletics
Temple To Open Defense Of Its A-10 Championship Thursday
3.10.09 | Men's Basketball
March 10, 2009
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ - Temple (19-11) enters the 2009 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Championship looking to become the first A-10 team to repeat as champions since the 2001 Owls defeated UMass, 76-65, to defend their title. Temple is the fourth seed for the second time in its 27-year history in the conference. The Owls are 2-1 when playing as the four-seed, advancing to the 1997 A-10 semifinals as the East Division #4-seed before falling to Rhode Island, 69-66 in overtime. Temple opens its defense Thursday (2:30 p.m./Comcast SportsNet/1210 AM WPHT) with a quarterfinal game against the winner of #5-seed Saint Joseph's-#12 seed Charlotte game.
Temple has had more success in Atlantic 10 Championship play than any other conference member. The Owls have won more games (46), played in more semifinal games (23) and championship games (14) than any league member past or present. Temple has also won a record seven Atlantic 10 Championships (2008, 2001, 2000, 1990, 1988, 1987 and 1985). Only three times, in 2002, 2004 and 2007, has Temple failed to win at least one game in the A-10 Championship.
Temple is a 23-2 in quarterfinal games of the A-10 Championship. The Owls' quarterfinal losses have come in 2002 (La Salle, 72-66) and 2004 (Richmond, 64-49). Thirty-four Owls have been named to the A-10 All-Tournament team, the last being Dionte Christmas (Most Outstanding Performer) and Mark Tyndale in 2008.
Temple faced both Charlotte and Saint Joseph's in its run to the 2008 A-10 Championship. The Owls defeated the 49ers, 60-45, in the semifinals and the Hawks, 69-64, in the title game. Temple is 1-0 against Charlotte and 8-2 against Saint Joseph's in championship play.
The Owl Club, along with the Temple Alumni Association, will be hosting a Pre-Game Reception for Temple alumni, fans and friends two hours prior to Thursday's game (2:30 p.m.) against the St. Joe's-Charlotte winner in the Atlantic 10 Tournament in Atlantic City. The reception will be held in the Trump Plaza, adjacent to Boardwalk Hall. All guests are welcome to join fellow fans to rally before the Owls' first tournament game. Cost is $20 per person and includes buffet and prizes; a cash bar is available. Details and registration are available at www.MyOwlSpace.com or by calling the Owl Club at (215) 204-2582.
