Temple University Athletics
Wednesday, February 28
Houston, Texas
8:00 PM
Temple University
at
Rice
Photo by: Robin Hsiao
Men's Basketball Looks to Build on Winning Streak at Rice
2.27.24 | Men's Basketball
Game Info:Â Wednesday, February 28, 2024 -Â 8:00 p.m. EST
Location:Â Tudor Fieldhouse - Houston, Texas
TV:Â ESPN+Â | Listen: 1210 WPHT | Live Stats: Owlsports.com
Social Media
Twitter/X: @TUMBBHoops | Instagram: @tumbbhoops
Tweet #Team128
Opening Tip
The Temple University men's basketball team closes the month of February with a contest against the Rice Owls on Wednesday, February 28. Tipoff from Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST.
Last Time Out - Men's Basketball Rallies for OT win at Wichita State
Behind double-doubles from Shane Dezonie and Jordan Riley, the Owls battled back from a 10-point halftime deficit, rallying for a 72-66 overtime win against Wichita State on Sunday.
BY THE NUMBERS
Rewarded For His Efforts
It can be tough to get recognized in a one game week, but Shane Dezonie was honored by both the American Athletic Conference and Philadelphia Big 5 on their respective weekly honor rolls for his performance against Wichita State. As part the effort of his career-high 11 rebounds, seven of them were on the offensive end, a season best for a Temple player.Â
So You're Saying There's A Chance
After a layup by Quincy Ballard with 1:39 remaining in the first half put Wichita State up 37-25, the Shockers had a 94.2 percent chance to win the game according to ESPN's win probability. Because of its never give up attitude, Temple made yesterday's game the second largest win probability it has overcome this season. The only game moment higher was when La Salle had a 94.8 percent chance to win with 27 seconds left in the second overtime on November 29.Â
Four In A Row
Despite playing five extra minutes, Temple had its fourth consecutive game with single-digit turnovers. It is the 12th such game this season the Owls turned the ball over less than 10 times. They have given the ball away a season-low five times twice, at Drexel on November 14 and versus Charlotte on February 11. TU is second in the American and 52nd nationally at 10.4 turnovers per game.Â
Scouting Report
Rice is 11-16 overall and 5-9 in the AAC following a 70-52 win against East Carolina on Saturday. Much like Temple, Rice has been more competitive than its record would indicate in recent games, going 3-3 in its last six contests with two of the three losses coming by four points or less or in overtime.
Leading the offense for Rice is Second Team Preseason-All-AAC pick Max Fiedler, who contributes in all aspects on the floor. He is second in the conference in both rebounds per game (9.4) and assists a contest (5.2). The 6'11" forward from Indialantic, Fla. is also third on the squad in scoring at 9.4 points per game. A pair of players are in double figure scoring for the Owls with Travis Evee netting 16.5 a night and Mekhi Mason at 14.1 an outing. Mason, in particular, has been impressive lately, averaging 15.6 points per game in conference play. Evee scored a season-high for Rice this year with 34 against ECU.Â
One thing Rice does well is keep opponents off the free throw line. It is in the top-40 in NCAA Division I in fewest fouls at 15.0 infractions a contest. It has also distributed the ball well, ranking fourth in the AAC at 14.7 assists an outing.Â
Defending opponents shots has been an issue at times for the Owls, who rank next-to-last in the AAC in field goal percentage allowed at 44.7. They are also 326th in three-point defense at 36.3 percent.Â
Scott Pera is in his seventh season as the head coach at Rice with a record of 96-122. His best mark came last season when the Owls posted a 19-16 record. Prior to that, he spent time as an assistant coach at Penn, Arizona State and Southern Cal.Â
All-Time Series
Wednesday is the fourth all-time matchup in this battle of Owls with Temple holding a 3-1 series advantage.Â
Last Time Against Rice
Temple battled back from a 13-point deficit at the break to take a second half lead, but TU was upended 69-66 by Rice on January 20, 2024. Hysier Miller led the way with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Steve Settle III scored 15 and Jordan Riley had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Up Next
The Owls return home for Senior Day against Tulsa on Saturday, March 2. Tipoff from the Liacouras Center is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The game is presented by PFCU.
Location:Â Tudor Fieldhouse - Houston, Texas
TV:Â ESPN+Â | Listen: 1210 WPHT | Live Stats: Owlsports.com
Social Media
Twitter/X: @TUMBBHoops | Instagram: @tumbbhoops
Tweet #Team128
Opening Tip
The Temple University men's basketball team closes the month of February with a contest against the Rice Owls on Wednesday, February 28. Tipoff from Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. EST.
Last Time Out - Men's Basketball Rallies for OT win at Wichita State
Behind double-doubles from Shane Dezonie and Jordan Riley, the Owls battled back from a 10-point halftime deficit, rallying for a 72-66 overtime win against Wichita State on Sunday.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Riley had his second career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
- Dezonie also had his second career double-double, scoring 14 and pulling down a career-best 11 boards.
- It is the first time since November 11, 2016 that Temple had two players with double-doubles in the same game when Obi Enechionyia (20 pt, 14 reb) and Ernest Aflakpui (12 pt, 10 reb) accomplished the feat against La Salle.
- Steve Settle III scored 13 with eight boards. All of his rebounds came after the break. Hysier Miller netted 14.
- The Owls outrebounded the Shockers 35-22 in the second half and OT.Â
- 52 total caroms are the second most in a game this season for Temple.
Rewarded For His Efforts
It can be tough to get recognized in a one game week, but Shane Dezonie was honored by both the American Athletic Conference and Philadelphia Big 5 on their respective weekly honor rolls for his performance against Wichita State. As part the effort of his career-high 11 rebounds, seven of them were on the offensive end, a season best for a Temple player.Â
So You're Saying There's A Chance
After a layup by Quincy Ballard with 1:39 remaining in the first half put Wichita State up 37-25, the Shockers had a 94.2 percent chance to win the game according to ESPN's win probability. Because of its never give up attitude, Temple made yesterday's game the second largest win probability it has overcome this season. The only game moment higher was when La Salle had a 94.8 percent chance to win with 27 seconds left in the second overtime on November 29.Â
Four In A Row
Despite playing five extra minutes, Temple had its fourth consecutive game with single-digit turnovers. It is the 12th such game this season the Owls turned the ball over less than 10 times. They have given the ball away a season-low five times twice, at Drexel on November 14 and versus Charlotte on February 11. TU is second in the American and 52nd nationally at 10.4 turnovers per game.Â
Scouting Report
Rice is 11-16 overall and 5-9 in the AAC following a 70-52 win against East Carolina on Saturday. Much like Temple, Rice has been more competitive than its record would indicate in recent games, going 3-3 in its last six contests with two of the three losses coming by four points or less or in overtime.
Leading the offense for Rice is Second Team Preseason-All-AAC pick Max Fiedler, who contributes in all aspects on the floor. He is second in the conference in both rebounds per game (9.4) and assists a contest (5.2). The 6'11" forward from Indialantic, Fla. is also third on the squad in scoring at 9.4 points per game. A pair of players are in double figure scoring for the Owls with Travis Evee netting 16.5 a night and Mekhi Mason at 14.1 an outing. Mason, in particular, has been impressive lately, averaging 15.6 points per game in conference play. Evee scored a season-high for Rice this year with 34 against ECU.Â
One thing Rice does well is keep opponents off the free throw line. It is in the top-40 in NCAA Division I in fewest fouls at 15.0 infractions a contest. It has also distributed the ball well, ranking fourth in the AAC at 14.7 assists an outing.Â
Defending opponents shots has been an issue at times for the Owls, who rank next-to-last in the AAC in field goal percentage allowed at 44.7. They are also 326th in three-point defense at 36.3 percent.Â
Scott Pera is in his seventh season as the head coach at Rice with a record of 96-122. His best mark came last season when the Owls posted a 19-16 record. Prior to that, he spent time as an assistant coach at Penn, Arizona State and Southern Cal.Â
All-Time Series
Wednesday is the fourth all-time matchup in this battle of Owls with Temple holding a 3-1 series advantage.Â
Last Time Against Rice
Temple battled back from a 13-point deficit at the break to take a second half lead, but TU was upended 69-66 by Rice on January 20, 2024. Hysier Miller led the way with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting. Steve Settle III scored 15 and Jordan Riley had 12 points and eight rebounds.
Up Next
The Owls return home for Senior Day against Tulsa on Saturday, March 2. Tipoff from the Liacouras Center is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The game is presented by PFCU.
Players Mentioned
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