Temple University Athletics
Temple University
10-15,5-8AAC
Houston
11-14,8-4AAC
Piper Has Block Party as Comeback Effort Falls Short Against Houston
2.18.23 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA – The Temple women's basketball team (10-15, 5-8 AAC) fell to Houston (11-14, 8-4 AAC) for the second time this season, 56-48. The Owls trailed 13-0 early and trailed by double-digits in the second as well, but Temple did not quit, coming as close as five in the fourth quarter.
Ines Piper had a fantastic defensive effort, recording six blocks. This is the most by any Temple player since Ugo Nwaigwe recorded six against Penn on 1/21/2016.
First Quarter: Temple 8, Houston 14
> Houston started off strong from beyond the arc, opening the game on a 13-0 run that included three three-pointers.
> Temple's defense stiffened, holding Houston to a four-minute scoring drought.
> An 8-1 run helped the Owls claw back into the game, cutting Houston's lead back to single digits.
> Brittany Garner impressed in the first quarter with a team-high four points and two rebounds.
Second Quarter: Temple 20, Houston 23
> The Owls kept the momentum going in the second quarter, tying the game at 16-16 with a little over five minutes left in the half to cap a 16-3 run. A fast-break score from Aleah Nelson tied the game.
> Temple took its first lead of the game at the 3:19 mark on a Caranda Perea free throw (20-19, TU).
> Houston scored the last four of the half to carry a slim lead into the break.
> Perea led Temple with seven points in the first half, she also grabbed three boards.
Third Quarter: Temple 31, Houston 42
> After both teams traded three-pointers to start the second half, Temple tied the game at 27-27 after Garner scored in the paint at the 5:34 mark.
> Houston came back with a 10-0 run. Perea scored on a second chance bucket to break the drought.
> The Cougars ended the quarter on a 15-4 run.
> Perea led all rebounders in the frame with four.
Fourth Quarter: Temple 48, Houston 56
> Houston extended its lead to upwards of 11 in the fourth quarter.
> Temple bounced back with an 8-1 run to cut the lead to 45-41 at the 4:15 mark.
> The Cougars scored the next four, but the Cherry & White did not quit, with Gary earning three free throws. A late technical foul put the game out of reach for Temple. The Owls fell 56-48.
Game Notes
> Perea recorded nine points and 10 rebounds, one point short of a double-double.
> The Owls won the rebounding battle 46-42.
> Piper set her career-high in blocks with six, this is the most by any Temple player has had in a single game since 2016.
Up Next
> Temple hits the road to face UCF in a rematch of a late January matchup. The Tuesday night game will tip off at 6 p.m. (ESPN+/Varsity Network App).
