The Temple Owls took a one point lead into the half over Villanova in a game that’s not just for Big 5 bragging rights, but could major effects on the rankings of the two top 25 teams. The Wildcats will be encouraged to be down by just one after a half that you’d have to say felt like it was largely controlled by Temple. On the flip side, Temple could be a bit discouraged after turning in a real solid half yet only managing a one point lead.
Villanova took some momentum into the locker room when Maalik Wayns took an in bounds pass with about five seconds to go and ran it up court for an impressive fade away buzzer beater to cut Temple’s lead to one. Corey Stokes has paced the Wildcats with 11 and Wayns has 4 assists to go along with his nine points.
Ramone Moore leads Temple with 13 points, 5 boards and a couple of blocks. However, his four turnovers has certainly helped Villanova keep this one close in the first half. Junior PG Juan Fernandez really exerted his influence on the game as the first half went on with 12 points, 4 boards, and 4 assists. So far, Fernandez is a perfect 5-5 from the floor including two from 3 point range.
One concern heading into the second half for Nova could fouls. All but one of their starting five have two.