Temple won the battle of the Owls, downing those of Rice on Monday night by a score of 77-70.
Senior guard Juan Fernandez, who eclipsed the career 1,000-point mark in the first half, led the way for Temple with 23 points on 8-of-18 shooting, adding three assists and five rebounds. Fellow senior guard Ramone Moore added 15 points on 6-of-16 shooting and six assists.
Rice had the lead for less than a couple of minutes in the second half, but Temple then went on an 18-5 run and never looked back -- Rice wouldn't get closer than six points the rest of the way.
Lucas Kuipers was the leading scorer for Rice with 16 points on 6-of-14 shooting. Temple outrebounded Rice 33-30 and assisted on more than half of their baskets (15 of 28).
The last time these two teams played each other was in 1948. The Temple Owls won that game as well, 70-59.