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Saint Joseph's (17-14) Vs. Temple (19-11)
GAME NOTES: City rivals will clash in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament, as the fourth-seeded Temple Owls will take on the fifth-seeded Saint Joseph's Hawks at Boardwalk Hall. This has become old hat between the two schools, as this will be the fourth straight season that Saint Joseph's and Temple have collided in the Atlantic 10 Tournament, and the 11th time overall. The Owls have had their way with the Hawks in the previous 10 meetings, winning eight, including a 69-64 decision last year. In the all-time series, the Owls have a comfortable 80-65 edge over Saint Joseph's and have won the last four matchups. The Hawks are hoping to build off the momentum they earned in the opening round, as Saint Joseph's defeated Charlotte, 72-62. It was the third win in the last four games for the Hawks, who finally seem to be turning things around after losing five straight contests to close out the month of February. As for the Owls, they are looking to grab their second consecutive A-10 title. Temple has enjoyed the most success in this event, posting an impressive 46-19 all-time ledger, while collecting the championship on seven different occasions. Temple closed out this season with seven wins in its last nine games, finishing with an 11-5 league mark, while earning the fourth seed. With the fourth spot in this event, the Owls earned a bye to the quarterfinals where the team is 23-2 all-time in this event.
The Hawks were not overwhelming at the offensive end of the floor against Charlotte, but the team did enough to get by the 49ers by a 10-point margin. Saint Joseph's shot 42.0 percent in the win, and also connected on 25-of-33 attempts from the foul line. Tasheed Carr had a strong showing in the win, netting a team-high 22 points to go along with six rebounds and five assists. As for the A-10 Player of the Year Ahmad Nivins, he posted a double-double consisting of 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Garrett Williamson and Idris Hilliard tallied 12 and 11 points, respectively. Clearly the main scoring option on this squad is Nivins, as the forward is averaging a double-double on the year, registering 19.1 ppg, to go along with 11.7 rpg. Carr has been the perfect backcourt match for Nivins, as the guard is contributing 14.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 148 assists. Darrin Govens did not do much against Charlotte (eight points), but the has played a large part throughout the season, averaging 12.6 ppg.
The Owls have gotten even better at the defensive end as the season has progressed, and come into this crucial matchup holding opponents to just 63.7 ppg. Teams are only shooting 40.7 percent from the field against Temple and that includes a weak 34.4 percent effort from long range. Not to be overlooked is the contributions the players have made at the other end of the floor, mainly Dionte Christmas. Christmas is one of the top players in the nation, and has proven that fact throughout the season by averaging 19.2 ppg and 6.1 rpg. Christmas, who was tabbed for the All A-10 First Team, has also dished out 88 assists and has collected a team-best 41 steals. Taking care of business down low has been Lavoy Allen, who is posting 11.1 ppg, to go along with a team-best 8.6 rpg and 48 blocks. Ryan Brooks has also played a role this season, netting 10.4 ppg for Temple, which as a whole, comes into this game averaging a mediocre 69.1 ppg.
Although both schools are located in the City of Brotherly Love, there is no love loss here. The rivalry between the two schools has grown heated at times and that should make for an exciting matchup this afternoon. Temple has enjoy a small run and while the Hawks will keep the game close, expect the Owls to find a way to move forward.
Predicted OutcomeTemple 67, Saint Joseph's 63Copyright 2009 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
