Temple Owls Look To Move Forward In NIT
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- As much as the Temple Owls tried to hide it, the sting from their NCAA Tournament snub remained on Monday.
The Owls practiced for the first time since learning their bubble had burst on Selection Sunday. With no NCAA Tournament birth, Temple began preparations for their NIT opener against Bucknell on Wednesday. Teams which narrowly miss making the NCAA Tournament often make an early exit in the NIT, but Coach Fran Dunphy emphasized to his players the opportunity that awaits them in the NIT Tourney.
"We talked about it right after the Selection Show was over," said Dunphy. "We'll reiterate it the next couple of days. That was exactly the message and exactly the thought, and I hope we're going to be more than ready for Bucknell on Wednesday."
Bucknell was also likely dreaming of playing in the NCAA Tournament until last Saturday. The Bison were the top seed in the Patriot League, but lost to Lafayette in the semifinals of the league tournament. Dunphy says Bucknell will present a tough challenge to his squad.
"I think they're really well-coached," Dunphy said. "They have some good youth and a couple of really good veteran guys, so it's a good balance that way. We have a lot of studying to do before Wednesday's game."
Guard Will Cummings was as disappointed as any Owl on Sunday, but the senior texted his teammates late Sunday night to try and provide motivation. While Cummings and his teammates believe they are NCAA Tournament-worthy, there is nothing they can do but move forward in the NIT.
"It feels good to get back on the court and just play basketball," said Cummings. "At the end of the day, it's the sport you love. We're blessed to be playing still. Some teams are home already, so I look at it as a positive that we are still playing basketball."
Part of that positive thinking for Cummings is the opportunity to play another home game. The Owls will take on Bucknell at the Liacouras Center eleven days after what Cummings thought was his last game on his home floor.
"It feels good," Cummings said. "It's bittersweet, because I thought my last game at home was against UConn. Now, we get to come back here and play in front of Owls Nation at the Liacouras Center. It's going to be fun."
