Unveiling the Spirit of Temple University: A Journey Through Tradition and Innovation

Game Details: Sunday, December 22, 2024 – 8:00 p.m. EST

Venue: Haas Pavilion – Berkeley, Calif.

Watch: ACC Network | Listen: OwlSports.com/Listen | Live Stats: OwlSports.com | 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Twitter/X:@TempleWBB | Instagram:@TempleWBB

Opening Tip

Following a 66-51 triumph over Xavier, the Owls secured their spot in the Raising the B.A.R. Championship match against No. 24 California.

News & Highlights

• The Owls prepare to challenge No. 24 California, after their 66-51 win over Xavier on Saturday in the opening round of the Raising the B.A.R Invitational.

• The Owls featured three players scoring in double digits: Tiarra East, Tarriyonna Gary, and Amaya Oliver. Oliver achieved her first double-double of the season with 12 points and 14 rebounds. 

• Against Xavier, the Owls concluded the evening shooting 40% (26-65) from the field, including 50% (9-18) from beyond the arc.

• The Owls dominated the boards against the Musketeers with a +18 advantage, grabbing 45 rebounds to Xavier’s 27.

• In the second quarter, the Owls shot 47% with 8-17 from the field.

• The Owls were able to force 20 turnovers from Xavier, with the Musketeers committing 8 turnovers in the first quarter.

Analyzing the Golden Bears

• California is currently on a six-game winning streak, following a 69-53 victory over Fordham in the Raising the B.A.R tournament semifinals.

• During this six-game stretch, Cal managed to defeat No. 19 Alabama with a close score of 69-65 in the SEC/ACC challenge.

• The Bears have not suffered a loss since November 26 when they fell to Michigan State 72-78 during the Acrisure Classic held in Palm Springs, Calif.

• Lulu Twidale (15.6 points), Ioanna Krimili (15.4 points), Marta Suarez (12.7 points), Kayla Williams (11.9 points), and Michelle Onyiah (10.2 points) are all averaging over ten points for the Bears.

• The Bears wrapped up the 2023-24 season with an overall record of 19-15 and a conference record of 7-11. Cal participated in the WNIT Tournament, where they were eliminated in the second round by St. Joseph’s with a 61-63 final score.

T-Mac Climbs All-Time Three-Point Rankings

•Fifth-year Tarriyonna Gary, affectionately known as “T-Mac,” has been a reliable shooter since she joined the team over two years ago.

•Gary has led the squad in three-point baskets for the last two seasons.

•Gary has surpassed Natalia Issac, moving to 6th place in Temple history for career three-point field goals made and holds 4th place in Temple history with a 37.0% three-point shooting efficiency.

The Quest for 1000

• Tiarra East has reached the milestone of 1000 points for the Temple Owls after scoring 20 points against Xavier.

• Tarriyonna Gary has accumulated a total of 987 points throughout her collegiate career, leaving her just 13 points away from the impressive 1,000 mark. Out of those 987 points, 640 were scored during her time at Temple.

THE RAISING THE B.A.R INVITATIONAL

• Xavier, currently standing at 4-6, is eager to snap a four-game losing streak. The Musketeers have found it challenging against Temple, having lost their last three encounters.

• Senior Loren Christie and freshman Meri Kanerva lead the team in scoring, averaging 11 points each while playing over 25 minutes per game. Christie achieved a season-high of 21 points earlier this month against Creighton (12/04/24) and is the team’s top rebounder with 64 boards over 10 games.

• In their latest outing against Cincinnati, sophomore Daniela Lopez, off the bench, led the Musketeers with 13 points and seven rebounds.

• This season, the Musketeers have been out-rebounded by opponents seven times, averaging only 29 rebounds per game. The roster is notably tall, with their shortest player measuring at 5’7″.

• Xavier is under the guidance of Billi Chambers, who took on the role of head coach on April 5, 2023. Chambers transitioned to the Musketeers after a decade at Iona University (2013-2023).

• Last season, Xavier concluded the season with a record of 1-27, including an unfortunate 0-18 in Big East play.

• Fordham is currently on a four-game winning streak, commencing after they triumphed 90-51 against Siena on November 23.

• In this four-game winning streak, Fordham has defeated Siena, Stony Brook, Yale, and LIU.

• The Rams’ most recent loss was against Manhattan, in which Fordham was defeated 58-65 in Manhattan, N.Y.

• Taylor Donaldson (16 points) and Irene Murua (11.7 points) are the sole Rams averaging double figures this season.

• The Rams concluded the 2023-24 season with a record of 13-17 and an 8-10 mark in the Atlantic 10 Conference.