Temple Finds Success on Senior Day, Defeats Cincy 88-64

WRITTEN BY: MELISSA PAYAVIS

Coming off of a rough loss at UConn, the Owls looked to finish this season on a high note on their home court. Temple defeated the Cincinnati Bearcats 88-64, scoring the most points since the season opener against University of the District of Columbia.

Before the game, seniors Ruth Sherrill, Safiya Martin, Monasia Bolduc, and Feyonda Fitzgerald were recognized for their performance and received framed jerseys.

The Owls had their best defensive quarter in the first, allowing the Bearcats to score only two points. After that, the margin between the teams never dipped below 15 points. The second quarter proved to be a challenge as Cincinnati went on a 10-4 run in a little over two minutes, but Temple’s first quarter momentum proved to be a huge advantage for the rest of the game.

Cincinnati couldn’t seem to grab as many rebounds as Temple, who nabbed 41 compared to the Bearcats’ 27. The Owls were able to capitalize on their strength on the boards when they could, hitting three straight three pointers in the second, courtesy of Alliya Butts and Khadijah Berger.

Tanaya Atkinson notched a career-high 30 points and 13 rebounds, the most of the game. Teammates Butts and Fitzgerald went over 50% from downtown, with Butts going 5-10 and Fitzgerald 4-6 on the day.

“I think they were probably more concerned about us penetrating and getting into the gaps,” Coach Tonya Cardoza said. “Today it just so happens that our three ball was falling for us. I think it’s a credit to Coach Veney because she had Alliya and Fe [Fitzgerald] in the gym yesterday, and this was the first time she ever lost to them.”

The Owls will travel to UCF on Monday at 7pm for their last regular season matchup of the year.