When: 7 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Liacouras Center
TV/Radio: None/610 WIP
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Despite Temple’s 8-1 record to start the season, their best start since the 1987-88 season, the Owls have struggled to find a model of consistency all season long.
Temple has played a plethora of below average teams, yet their winning margin is just 8.4 points.
Coming into the season, it looked as if the Owls were going to be a team that could shoot the three ball with ease, but after nine games, Temple is shooting 32-percent from deep and 42-percent from the floor.
“I think were taking some shots that we shouldn’t and other times were passing up opportunities that were trying to be very teammate friendly,” coach Fran Dunphy said. “We have to recognize what’s a good play and what’s something that we shouldn’t do.”
Senior’s Scootie Randall and Khalif Wyatt’s shooting numbers are not what we projected them to be. Graduate student Jake O’Brien is not stroking the three ball like he can and junior guard Dalton Pepper has struggled to earn steady minutes and is shooting just 21-percent from the field.
Five of Temple’s eight games have come on their home turf and their defense down low has been close to a disaster, but at the same time, the teams schedule has been extremely inconsistent, which could be the leading factor in the Owls shaky play.
Still, there has certainly been numerous bright spots as some of the younger players have shown glimpses of hope and an 8-1 record is nothing to sneeze at, but with better programs approaching and the tough Atlantic Ten schedule in the near future, Temple must improve if they want to earn an invitation to its sixth straight NCAA tournament.
As a basketball club, things happen,” senior swingman Scootie Randall said.
“I think it’s a big part of our leadership. As us leaders we got to to set the tone earlier before the game start we got to make sure everybody’s focused and everybody’s ready to go but I just want to keep all that slack that were doing, it’s our fault as leaders. It happens to the best of them, so as a result were still winning so we really got a lot more work to do.”
Temple’s approach must improve with their schedule set to heat up and top-notch opponents ready to clash head on with the Owls down a one way street.
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Scouting Temple: Wyatt finally broke out of shooting slump on Monday night after pouring in 20 points on 5-11 shooting, but the senior guard still is not where he needs to be in order to lead Temple. Monday nights performance is a step in the right direction. With sophomore forward Anthony Lee’s status unknown for Wednesday night due to injury, O’Brien and freshman center Devontae Watson could play a big role vs. Canisius. Watson’s performance was pleasing in just five minutes of action. Production from the point guard would be advantageous for the Owls on the offensive end. Sophomore Will Cummings play has been inconsistent as he acclimates himself to the college game and graduate student T.J. DiLeo is not built to be a full time player. Senior forward Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson’s game has evolved immensely, so look for him to continue to improve and provide the Owls with an energetic boost on both ends.
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Scouting Canisius: Sitting at 7-2 on the season, the Golden Griffins have had a great start as well. Canisius is arguably the best team in the MAAC Conference and fans could see them in the NCAA tournament in March. Coach Jim Baron’s team is 51st in the nation in total points per game, averaging 76.4 points a night. Baron knows the Owls well, having coached at Rhode Island and in the Atlantic Ten for nearly a decade. The Golden Griffins are led by senior guardHarold Washington and junior guard Billy Baron. Both come into Wednesday’s game averaging 15.9 ppg. Billy Baron is the son of coach of Jim, and is a University of Rhode Island transfer. In the post, 6-10 junior forward, Jordan Heath, leads Canisius. Heath is averaging 9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
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Sound off: This could very well be another close game in Philadelphia. What are your predictions?
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