The Rising Star of Urban Academia: Exploring Temple University’s Dynamic Landscape

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Temple women’s basketball (7-5, 1-0 AAC) triumphed over UAB (9-4, 0-1) 97-74 during its conference debut at Bartow Arena on Sunday afternoon. Four Owls achieved double-digit scoring: Tiarra East (21), Jaleesa Molina (17), Anissa Rivera (13), and Tristen Taylor (13).

Tarriyonna Gary reached over 1,000 points in today’s game, contributing nine points, three rebounds, and two assists. Molina recorded a career-best 17 points along with 10 rebounds, earning her first double-double.

HOW IT UNFOLDED

First Quarter

• Gary opened the scoring with a corner jumper, giving the Owls an early two-point advantage in the first quarter. On the subsequent possession, Gary drew a foul, converting two of three free throws.
• The Owls initiated a 6-0 run with 8:36 on the clock, including contributions from Gary (4) and Tierra East (2).
• UAB countered with a three-pointer, putting a halt to Temple’s run. The Blazers narrowed the gap to three, trailing 6-3, with 8:18 remaining in the first quarter.
• Gary was fouled on another opportunity, making one of two free throws, bolstering the Owls’ advantage to 11-5.
• Tristen Taylor got on the score sheet with a three-pointer, extending the Owls’ lead to nine points at 16-7 with just over five minutes left.
• Before the media timeout, Molina stole the ball and scored, pushing Temple’s lead up to 20-7 with 4:49 left in the first quarter. The Owls were on a 14-2 run that spanned over three minutes.
• Temple went on another 7-0 burst, with points from Anissa Rivera (5) and Gary (2), marking their largest lead of the game at 29-9.
• The Blazers chipped away at the lead with a three-pointer and a layup. Savannah Curry countered with a three-point shot to close the quarter, 34-16.

Second Quarter

• To begin the second quarter, Curry sank a three-pointer, widening the margin to 21 with 9:45 remaining.
• The Blazers managed two quick scores from Rayne Tucker, narrowing the deficit to 18 points at 37-19.
• Before the media timeout, East and Oliver combined for five points, increasing the lead to 23 points with 7:40 left.
• Post-media timeout, UAB experienced a scoring drought that extended beyond three minutes, accumulating three turnovers during that span.
• Temple went on a 9-0 run, taking a 28-point lead at 47-19, with 5:58 left in the half.
• The Blazers finally hit a crucial three-pointer by Sara Bershers, cutting the lead to 25 at 49-22, and later went on an 8-0 run, featuring free throws and three-pointers.
• Rivera finished the half’s scoring, extending Temple’s lead to 18 points at 55-37.

Third Quarter

• The Blazers scored the initial points of the second half with a layup from Weathersby, bringing the score to 55-39.
• Taylor and East contributed to Temple’s 7-0 run, with the Owls leading 62-39 as the five-minute mark approached.
• Bershers knocked down another three-pointer, reducing Temple’s 23-point lead. She shot 3-6 from beyond the arc early in the third quarter.
• Drew Alexander entered the contest, sinking a three-pointer and securing an offensive rebound in less than two minutes.
• Temple boosted their lead to 25 points, outscoring UAB 23-18 in the third quarter, now leading 78-53.

Fourth Quarter

• Walsh (2) and Elley (3) registered the first scores of the fourth quarter with 8:20 remaining, making it 78-58.
• Kaylah Turner netted a couple of jump shots, bringing the Blazers to 82-61 with 7:28 to play.
• The Blazers executed a 6-0 run, hitting 5 of 7 field-goal attempts after the media timeout.
• Following the timeout, Temple responded with a 10-0 run, pushing the Owls up by 25 points at 92-67.
• Temple finished the fourth quarter shooting at 47.1% (8-17), securing a 97-74 victory.

INSIDE THE STATS

• Temple achieved a season-best 72% (13-18) shooting performance from the field in the first quarter. The Owls also got eight free-throw attempts in this quarter, a season high.
• Temple’s 34 points set a season record for points in the first quarter, while their 55 points marked a season high for halftime scoring.
• Temple’s 34 points in the initial quarter were the most since February during the 2023-24 season against UAB (32 points).
• Molina had three steals in the first half.
• East was the team leader in rebounds with five in the first half.
• The Owls committed 10 personal fouls in the first half, including seven in the second quarter.
• By halftime, Temple had three players in double figures: East (13), Molina (11), and Rivera (11).
• Temple capitalized on UAB’s 12 turnovers in the first half, scoring 19 points off those mistakes.
• Molina’s performance included a career-best 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking her initial double-double.
• Temple outrebounded UAB 41-27.
• The Owls scored 42 points in the paint, surpassing the Blazers’ 24 points in that category.
• Alexander recorded a season-high six points.
• The Owls went 18-20 from the charity stripe against UAB, achieving a free-throw percentage of 90%, the highest since 2023 against UCF.

UP NEXT

• The Owls will be back at Liacouras Center on New Year’s Day for a matchup against ECU. The game is set for 4:00 PM.