Temple's home opener could have gone better than what transpired earlier this evening. After defeating city rival Penn on Saturday, the Temple Men's basketball team suffered their first loss of the season to a pretty solid Kent State squad, with a final score of 81-77. Derek Jackson and Devareaux Manley each put up 17 points and guard Kellon Thomas scored 11 off the bench in the win. Kent State was still able to put on a solid performance, even after star alumni Antonio Gates left the program over a decade ago. That's right, Antonio Gates played basketball at Kent State when he was at school. You're welcome for that mildly obscure fact.
Although Temple is still a team that can win over 20 games this season, they are still looking for some answers to the loss of BSB favorite Khalif Wyatt. Big man Anthony Lee did some of the answering with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Owls will need Lee to keep contributing like that on a nightly basis if they want to play basketball deep into March. Former West Virginia transfer Dalton Pepper had 15 points and 5 assists, also contributing in a big way for the Owls. Dalton is a very good basketball player, not an exotic spice for those of you who are confused. I know I was when I first heard of him.
In fact, the entire Temple starting lineup finished with at least 10 points, which is a good sign for the Owls moving forward. They are spread out in their scoring and can find options from every position on the floor. Where they need to improve is on the defensive end. After letting up 75 points to the Quakers on Saturday, Kent State was able to score 81 tonight en route to the victory. When teams are able to average a bucket a minute against you, it puts a lot of pressure on your offense to keep pace with the opponent. More focus on the defensive end and some contribution off the bench will help the Owls win more games moving forward.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
In fact, the entire Temple starting lineup finished with at least 10 points, which is a good sign for the Owls moving forward. They are spread out in their scoring and can find options from every position on the floor. Where they need to improve is on the defensive end. After letting up 75 points to the Quakers on Saturday, Kent State was able to score 81 tonight en route to the victory. When teams are able to average a bucket a minute against you, it puts a lot of pressure on your offense to keep pace with the opponent. More focus on the defensive end and some contribution off the bench will help the Owls win more games moving forward.
By: Dan Goggin
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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