Temple University Athletics

Photo by: Zamani Feelings
Tai Strickland Named AAC Men’s Basketball Player of the Week
2.21.22 | Men's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA – Redshirt sophomore guard Tai Strickland has been named the American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Week for the week ending February 20. Strickland, who was also named to the Big 5 Honor Roll, averaged 19.0 points per game to help Temple to big wins over SMU and at Cincinnati.
In Temple's 64-57 win over SMU on Feb. 16, the Tampa, Fla. native came off the bench to score a career-high 27 points (8-14 FG, 11-14 FTs) to lift the Owls to a come-from-behind win over the then conference leader Mustangs. He scored 18 of his points in the final six minutes and his layup with 53 seconds gave Temple a 53-51 lead. He then sealed the victory with eight-of-eight free throw shooting.
On Sunday (Feb. 20), Strickland made the most of his first collegiate start, scoring 11 points (3-5 FG, 1-1 3-pt) and grabbing five rebounds to help Temple complete its first sweep of Cincinnati since 2015-16 season.
Temple (15-9, 8-5 AAC) next plays at Memphis (15-9, 9-5 AAC) in a key contest in terms of conference standings. The Owls are currently in sole possession of fifth place with the top five teams in the standings receiving a first-round bye in the Air Force Reserve American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship (Mar. 10-13). Memphis is one-half game ahead of Temple and tied with Tulane for third in The American.
In Temple's 64-57 win over SMU on Feb. 16, the Tampa, Fla. native came off the bench to score a career-high 27 points (8-14 FG, 11-14 FTs) to lift the Owls to a come-from-behind win over the then conference leader Mustangs. He scored 18 of his points in the final six minutes and his layup with 53 seconds gave Temple a 53-51 lead. He then sealed the victory with eight-of-eight free throw shooting.
On Sunday (Feb. 20), Strickland made the most of his first collegiate start, scoring 11 points (3-5 FG, 1-1 3-pt) and grabbing five rebounds to help Temple complete its first sweep of Cincinnati since 2015-16 season.
Temple (15-9, 8-5 AAC) next plays at Memphis (15-9, 9-5 AAC) in a key contest in terms of conference standings. The Owls are currently in sole possession of fifth place with the top five teams in the standings receiving a first-round bye in the Air Force Reserve American Athletic Conference Men's Basketball Championship (Mar. 10-13). Memphis is one-half game ahead of Temple and tied with Tulane for third in The American.
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