Temple's comeback win over USF snaps losing streak
PHILADELPHIA — Temple used a strong fourth quarter to take down South Florida, 86-83, Tuesday night at The Liacouras Center. The Owls trailed by as many as 10 points midway through the third quarter, but outscored the Bulls by eight in the final 10 minutes to collect the win.
Temple (8-10, 2-4 American) entered the game on a three-game losing streak and had not been playing “Temple basketball” in head coach Diane Richardson’s eyes.
Against USF, one of the conference’s better teams at 12-8 overall and 5-2 in league play, the Owls finally looked like themselves again.
“I’m really happy with this win against a really tough team,” Richardson said Tuesday night. “I think they were tied for second in the conference and we came back. The grit, the resilience and playing together really won this game for us.”
Forward Saniyah Craig led the effort with a season-high 23 points and went 10-for-13 from the free-throw line. She was crucial in the fourth quarter, scoring the Owls’ first seven points of the frame and then knocking down three free throws down the stretch to help seal the win.
Craig was one of four players to score in double figures. Guard Kaylah Turner led the way with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting, forward Jaleesa Molina had 19 points on 4-for-4 three-point shooting, and guard Tristen Taylor added 16 points and five assists.
Turner had struggled with offensive efficiency through four conference games but found her groove against the Bulls. She also made four threes and looked comfortable and composed while looking for her shots.
“It makes it 100 times easier when my teammates are always telling me, be confident in my shot, continue to drive, even if I miss 2 layups or miss a three-pointer,” Turner said. “I got coaches who say the same thing.”
Temple shot an efficient 52.7% from the field and 50% from three while turning the ball over a season-low 11 times.
The Owls will be back at The Liacouras Center against Charlotte (9-10, 3-3) Saturday at 2 p.m.
Front page photo courtesy of Temple Athletics.
