Temple University Athletics
Temple University
Memphis
Women’s Basketball Hosts Memphis for Alumnae Day
1.12.24 | Women's Basketball
PHILADELPHIA – The Temple women's basketball team (9-7, 3-1 AAC) looks to extend its win streak to three games as the Owls host the Memphis Tigers (4-10, 0-3 AAC). The Cherry & White is in the midst of one of its best defensive stretches in years, holding its opponent to under 50 points in back-to-back games for the first time since February 2017.
Tip-off at the Liacouras Center is set for 2 p.m. ET.
PROMOTIONS
> It is Alumnae Day for Temple, with the program hosting alums from all eras of Temple women's basketball.
> Parent-Child layups are also being offered on The Liacouras Center floor to all children 6th grade and under with an accompanying parent. No RSVP needed.
LAST TIME OUT: Temple 72 @ Wichita State 49
> Temple earned its second straight AAC road victory, taking an emphatic victory at Wichita State by a score of 72-49. The victory marked head coach Dian Richardson's 100th career NCAA victory.
> The Owls dominated out of the gates and never trailed during the game. The Cherry & White held the Shockers to just five points off 1-14 (7.1%) shooting in the first quarter, the least points allowed in a single quarter by Temple since the same number was scored by SMU on 1/11/20. Temple built a 15-5 lead after the first frame and never looked back.
> The Owls tallied assists on nine of their first 10 baskets as momentum continued to favor Temple. The Cherry & White continued to steadily build a lead and never looked back.
> Temple posted arguably its strongest defensive showing of the season, holding Wichita State to just 15 first-half points and a season-best 28.1% opponent field goal percentage.
> Demi Washington had a career game, setting a new career milestone in points scored in a game with 20. Tarriyonna Gary recorded her first career double-double, finishing with a 10 points, 11 rebound statline.
THE OWLS
> Temple currently ranks 4th in the NCAA in offensive rebounds per game (17.6) and 11th in turnover margin (+7.06). The Owls also stand atop the AAC in assist/turnover ratio (+1.06) and turnovers per game (13.8).
> Tiarra East (12.6/15th) and Aleah Nelson (12.2/18th) both rank in the top 20 of the AAC in points per game.
> Nelson is getting it done as a facilitator as well, ranking t-2nd in the conference in total assists (74) and assists per game (4.6).
> On the boards, Rayne Tucker ranks 10th the AAC in rebounds per game with 7.2.
SCOUTING MEMPHIS
> The Tigers are coming off a 22-11 season that came to a close in the Super 16 round of the Women's NIT.
> Memphis is led by first-year head coach Alex Simmons, who came to Memphis after five years as the head coach at Gardner-Webb. She held a 90-59 record at Gardner-Webb, including a 29-5 season last year.
> This season, the Tigers hold a 4-11 record, including an 0-4 start to AAC play. Memphis will be looking to snap a five-game losing streak when they face off with Temple at the Liacouras Center on Sunday.
> Madison Griggs has led the Tigers' scoring efforts this year, ranking 5th in the AAC in points per game (17.5). Alasia Smith has been a solid presence in the post for Memphis, ranking third in the conference with 9.1 rebounds per game.
SERIES HISTORY
> Temple and Memphis have played each other every season since Temple joined the AAC in 2013. The Owls hold a 12-5 advantage over the Tigers.
> The two teams split the two matchups during the 2022-23 season, with the home team winning each time. The last time Memphis and Temple matched up was on 1/21/23, with the Cherry & White coming away victorious by a score of 64-53. Nelson put together a strong performance, leading the Owls with 16 points and six rebounds.
UP NEXT
> Temple takes a week off before facing off against conference leader Charlotte next Sunday, Jan. 21 at 1 p.m (ESPN+/Varsity Network App). Tickets are available at Owlstix.com.
