Daily Cup of City 6 (11/15/13)

By Sean Kennedy

Yesterday’s Action

Towson 75, Temple 69

The early-season struggles continued for Temple as the Owls went 8 minutes without a field goal in the second half to lose their first-half lead and fall to the Tigers in their brand-new arena. The Owls rode an 11-0 run toward the end of the first half to head into the locker room up five points. But after Pepper Dalton drained a three with 9 minutes remaining to give Temple a 7-point lead, Temple did not sink a basket again until Quenton DeCosey’s three-pointer with a minute remaining cut the Owls’ deficit to three points. Temple tried to foul their way back into the game in the final minute but to no avail, as the boys from Broad Street dropped to 1-2 on the season.

Former Georgetown transfer Jerrelle Benimon, an honorable mention AP All-American last season, certainly stands out on the court for Towson. It’s easy to see why NBA scouts were in attendance to watch the senior, who finished with a career-high 32 points and 9 rebounds. Benimon has a very polished post game which should translate to the next level, showing off a nice array of up-and-unders and drop steps against the Owls. He can also handle the ball, occasionally bringing the ball up court and driving to the bucket, as well as knock down the outside shot if left open.

For the Owls, Anthony Lee and Will Cummings carried the load once again. Lee ended the contest with 20 points and 9 rebounds; he has really progressed on his offensive post game, as his left-handed hooks look clumsy at times but are effective nonetheless. Cummings does a really nice job attacking the basket at every opportunity; he’s a guy really benefiting from the new enforcement of the hand check rule. However, neither of these guys have the force of will to take over the game when Temple needs a big basket. The loss of Khalif Wyatt has understandably left a huge void for someone the Owls can turn to when they need to stop a run from the opposition. If a player on the roster doesn’t step up and assume that role, it’s going to be a long season for the Owls.

Box Score