TU 98- UMass 89. I believe, but correct me if I'm wrong, that this victory ensures the Owls a spot in the A-10 tournament in Atlantic City, which starts the first week of March. Minuteman Stephane Lasme, potential A-10 player of the year, was held in check until late in the 2nd half when he dropped in a few buckets to finish the game with 17. Teammate Rashaun Freeman was also quiet, finishing with 12 points. The victory was TU's fourth straight win, drawing them even in the A-10 and within one game of .500 overall for the season (11-12, 5-5).
Dionte Christmas dropped 30 points, the fifth time in seven games that the sophomore from Philadelphia has done so. The supporting trio of Dustin Salisbury (25), Mark Tyndale (15) and Semaj Inge (11) helped the Owls to get off to a fast start, and a lead that the Owls would never relinquish. What the stat line wont say is how Mark Tyndale really handled the aforementioned Stephane Lasme. The double-down defense by Tyndale and Co. really put a clamp on Lasme and limited the Minutemen's attacking options.
Freshman Ryan Brooks came into the game midway in the second and scored on three consecutive trips down the floor, helping to extend the Temple lead. The next game for the Owls is a Valentines Day matchup against Big 5 and A-10 rival La Salle. The game is at Tom Gola arena, and tip off is at 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale at the Liacouras Center box office.