College Basketball: Owls Return To Work Wednesday Vs. Buffalo
By Matt Leon
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Temple Owls sit at 7-3 as they prepare to return to the court on Wednesday night, hosting Buffalo at the Liacouras Center.
Temple hasn't played since beating Rice down in Houston back on December 19th and head coach Fran Dunphy talks about getting back into a more consistent routine.
Listen to Matt Leon's interview with Fran Dunphy in the CBS Philly Sports Podcast:
Podcast
"I think it's what college basketball is all about. And certainly when you start after the holiday it is typically a Wednesday-Saturday kind of routine. So kids know when they're playing, they know how to prepare and there is a routine that you settle in to. And hopefully you're playing your best basketball."
Dunphy talks about what he has seen out of his team ten games into the season.
"I think there are some good things that I have seen, I think we are going to have to tighten up on the defensive end. Got to play better offense, too. We have to shoot better and we have to get better shots. We have to take care of the ball a little bit better, just valuing each possession is where we need to be."
Four Owls are averaging double figure points, including injured forward Michael Eric. Senior guard Ramone Moore is leading the way at 17.5 a game.
Buffalo will bring a 6-3 record into Wednesday night's contest. Last time out, they lost at BYU on December 20th 93-78. They bring a balanced attack to North Philadelphia as three players (Javon Mccrea, Zach Filzen and Mitchell Watt) average between 14 and 17 points per game with Mccrea leading the way at 16.7 a contest.
Dunphy says they will be a challenge.
"They are just a really well-coached team. I think (head coach) Reggie (Witherspoon) really does a nice job with them. They have just a really solid team - inside scoring and a terrific three-point jump shooter (Filzen) as well, so we'll have our hands full."
Tip-off on Wednesday at the Liacouras Center is set for 7:00 p.m.
