The Owls had a horrible performance at UMass two games back but otherwise have been playing consistently solid basketball.  They passed a big test in last game beating a very good Xavier sqaud.  Temple led by 16 points with 7:25 to play before almost blowing the game completely.  After multiple three pointers by Xavier and missed FT's by Temple, the Owls needed to hit a shot as time was winding down to win by 2.  It was still a quality win and the near collapse at the end should have them even more focused for this game.  Temple is 6-1 at home this year with only loss coming to George Washington.  They have already beaten the likes of Miami, Fla, Alabama, and South Carolina here, all by double digits, but this will clearly be their biggest home non-conference game of the season.  Temple's motto at the start of the year was, "NCAA Tournament, No Excuses" and this is almost a must win situation for them if they are to reach that goal with an at-large birth.

 

Maryland came up big in last game at Georgia Tech which was their first played without leading scorer and best all around player Chris McCray.  McCray was ruled academically ineligible for the season prior to last game.  He not only led the team in scoring but also led the team in steals per game, was second in assists, fifth in rebounds, and provided important senior leadership.  He also accounted for almost 30% of the teams made three point shots.  That is what Maryland may miss most today against Temple's zone defense.  While the Terps had success vs a young Georgia Tech team in conference, I suspect they will have a much tougher time against an experienced non-conference foe in Temple.  Maryland has only played three true road games all season and have gone 1-2.  Both losses were by double digits.

 

Temple and the A-10 in general is not getting its due respect.  The Owls have already beaten two SEC teams and an ACC team here in convincing fashion and have since added 6-11 center Wayne Marshall to the active roster who has given them a much needed inside presence in last 9 games.  Temple's zone defense and unorthodox style of play provides a difficult matchup for Maryland who remains largely untested on the road and must overcome the loss of their top player.  Temple will also be looking to avenge an 11 point loss at Maryland last year in a game that the Owls led by as many as 6 in the second half.  This is a good spot for a mild upset.  Owls win.

 

RAS Official Play:  Temple +1  1 UNIT