Temple's Late 2nd Half Push Still Isn't Enough to Beat SMU

 Last night the Temple Owls took on the SMU Mustangs in Dallas, TX. Temple got off to a hot start with a pair of threes from Obi Enechionyia and Shizz Alston, and a layup from Ernest Aflakpui, giving them an 8-2 lead with 17:18 minutes left in the first half. SMU answered back quickly with a 38-14 run to end the half. Ben Moore, Ben Emelogu, Shake Milton, and Sterling Brown made a plethora of layups, free throws, and jump shots to contribute to their massive run. SMU lead 40-22 to end the first half.

In the second half, Temple opened up with a 14-7 run with 16:39 left. Temple was now only down 47-36. Obi Enechionyia, Shizz Alston, Alani Moore, and Ernest Aflakpui were contributors to the run. SMU quickly answered back with a 12-5 run of their own with 11:18 left in the second half. Semi Ojeleye, Jerry Foster, and Ben Moore were key contributors to the run by making free throws, jumpers, and a few dunks. After that run, SMU lead 59-41. Temple tried to fight back once again with a 13-5 run to cut the lead to 10 points with 6:32 left in the second half. Quinton Rose, Shizz Alston, and Damion Moore helped spark that run. SMU went on a 16-11 run to win the game 79 to 64 against Temple.

The SMU Mustangs shot 48% from the field, whereas the Temple Owls only shot 39% from the field. SMU was able to make seven three-point shots, and they shot 36% from the three point line, whereas Temple made 10 three point shots and they shot 33% from the three point line. SMU made a bulk of their points from the free throw line. SMU made 24 free throws and had a free throw percentage of 70%. Temple only made seven free throws and shot 70% from the free throw line. SMU out -rebounded Temple 42 to 25. However, Temple did outplay SMU in the assists category having 16 assists to SMU 14 assists. Surprisingly, Temple also surpassed SMU in the second-chance points category 12 to 10 despite being out-rebounded.

Temple only had three players in double figures. Obi Enechionyia had 16 points, four rebounds, and one assist. Shizz Alston had 16 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Quinton Rose had 13 points, five steals, one assist, and one rebound.

SMU had four players in double figures. Semi Ojeleye had 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block. Ben Moore had 18 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and one steal. Shake Milton had 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Jarrey Foster had 13 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one rebound.

Temple is now 0-3 in AAC conference play. They hope to get their first conference win against East Carolina University on Saturday at home. On the season, Temple's record is 9-7.