Temple Holds Off Rice 69-65 Behind Balanced Attack

Temple's trip to Tudor Fieldhouse was a successful one, as they took down Rice 69-65 in a closely contested matchup. The Owls' balanced attack, led by Jordan Mason's 15 points and 6 assists, was too much for the Owls of Rice to handle. Mason's performance was complemented by Aiden Tobiason and Derrian Ford, who also chipped in with 15 points each. This balanced scoring effort allowed Temple to build a lead in the first half, taking a 33-32 advantage into the break.

The second half saw Rice's Trae Broadnax try to will his team to victory, scoring 17 points on the night. Broadnax's efforts, along with 14 points from Eternity Eguagie and 10 points from Jalen Smith, kept the game within reach for the home team. However, Temple's ability to spread the ball around and find open shooters ultimately was the difference. The Owls' 36 points in the second half were just enough to hold off Rice's late surge, securing the 69-65 victory.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Temple winning by 6.3 points, and while the actual margin was slightly smaller, the predicted winner was correct. The Owls' victory was a reflection of their ability to execute on the road, and it will undoubtedly be a valuable addition to their resume. With the win, Temple improves to 12-7 on the season, while Rice falls to 8-11.

The game was marked by a series of runs, with each team trading baskets and playing tenacious defense. However, Temple's depth and athleticism ultimately won out, as they were able to find scoring from a variety of sources. Mason's 6 assists were a key factor in this, as he consistently found open teammates and helped to break down Rice's defense.

This result will have implications for both teams' tournament chances, particularly for Temple. As a Quadrant 4 win, it may not be the most impressive victory, but it is still a valuable road win that will help to bolster the Owls' resume. For Rice, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which will not significantly harm their chances but will make their path to the tournament more difficult. As the season wears on, both teams want to build on this result and make a push for the postseason. With this win, Temple takes a step in the right direction, and their tournament chances receive a modest boost.