Day after finals week. Week before Christmas. Didn't expect much of a crowd (over-under was 4200). But seriously, only 3100 fans? The crowd at the Villanova-Delaware game (not exactly a marquee match-up either) at the Wells Fargo Center was announced as 12,000. Certainly respectable. Leaves me perplexed as to the reasons behind such a wide gap in fan suppoer between the basketball programs of Temple and Villanova.
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The Liacouras Center has been friendly. Counting yesterday, 13 straight wins at home for the Owls.
Not very often the nation's leading scorer, at 28 points per game, comes into the Center. Xavier Silas scored 27 in an impressive performance. Didn't have much of a supporting cast, however.
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Yesterday's key stat: 21 assists, only 9 turnovers. Second straight game in which the Owls have had twice as many assists as turnovers. Lavoy Allen had his breakout game of this season, scoring 22 points. Michael Eric was one basket short of a double-double. Impressive when one considers that his playing time was limited by foul trouble to only 12 minutes. Several not-so-highlights. Only 2 three-pointers, none in the second half. 10 games into the season Temple's 3-point shooting has been, to put it kindly, subpar. Only 25% of their three-point shots have gone through the net. Their free throw shooting has been, well to put it bluntly, average. Yesterday, the Owls missed fifteen.
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We heard the announcement of the winning number of the 50-50 raffle. Of course, we didn't purchase tickets this time. If anyone from the Athletic Department is reading this post, I ask you to inform the student - athletes selling the raffle tickets that the announcement of the winning ticket is NOT at halftime, but at the first timeout following intermission.
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Three weeks until the next home game, so Chronicowls will be taking a holiday break. Despite the disappointing outcomes at the tournament at Disney World last month, the Owls have a chance to be 10-game winners before January. Reaching that milestone will require a win December 30 over Villanova on its home floor.
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It's certainly too early in the season to be paying much attention to the RPI rankings. But they're useful as far as getting a picture of a team's comparative performance to date. Temple is ranked 19. Ahead of Villanova. And the number one RPI ranked team is Georgetown.
A commentary by season ticket-holder Tim Cousounis on the fan experience of Temple University hoops
20101213
Chronicowls '11, Post 3 (Temple-Akron)
The Temple and Akron men's basketball teams were in action yesterday afternoon at the Liacouras Center. And while 3800 fans were reportedly in attendance for the hoops game, greater attention was focused upon other activities of both schools' athletic departments. While the basketball game was in session, the Akron men's soccer team was winning the school's first national championship in any sport, prevailing over Louisville in the NCAA Division 1 soccer final. And Temple fans were following the rapidly unfolding saga of football coach Al Golden, who, at about the same time the basketball team was putting the finishing touches on an easy victory, announced that he had received and would be accepting an offer to be the next head coach of University of Miami (Florida). Even Owlscoop, which usually has a running twitter stream covering the basketball game, interrupted coverage of the hoops game to offer latest on coach Golden.
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As far as the size of the crowd was concerned , Owlscoop's tweet of "Pathetically small crowd at the Liacouras Center for today's Temple-Akron game" sums it up best. Good news - the pep band was in full force, and spirited as well. Bad news, the pep band outnumbered the student body in attendance.
Studying for finals, I guess.
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Proceeds from the 50-50 raffle yesterday supported the dance team (aka Diamond gems). We purchased a string of tickets. Once again, no one in our crowd heard the announcement of the winning ticket. The dance team was especially inspired, as their second-half performance was their finest of the season. Well synchronized.
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Allen. Or Alan. Must not be a very popular name among Philadelphia hoops fans. But I give credit to the Athletic Department for making the effort to promote the game, and one of its high-profile players. Anyone with the first or last name of "Allen" or "Alan" was entitled to a heavily discounted ticket for yesterday's game.
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With yesterday's win, the Owls have now won 12 straight in the Liacouras Center. Defense has been the key to Temple's start. The Owls lead the Atlantic 10 in scoring defense (56.6 ppg.) and rank 11th nationally in the category. Georgetown's 65 points were the most an opponent has scored against Temple all season. A side note - yesterday's win was Temple's first ever over Akron.
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Encouraging signs from yesterday's victory. Akron made their first three shots. Then they made three of their next 27 shots. To end the half, Temple scored 16 consecutive points, stretching a 24-15 lead to 40-15 at the half. Oppressive defense which held the Zips to nearly 30 points below their season average.For the Owls, twice as many assists (19) as turnovers (9). Shooting better than 50% from the field. Balanced scoring. Ten Owl players scored. Four Owls scored in double figures. Five, if you combine the points of Lavoy Allen and Juan Fernandez.
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Congratulations to Coach Golden. He leaves in good shape a once-downtrodden football program. I was among those who expected he would take over at Penn State for Joe Paterno. But perhaps he may end up there in a few years. Of course, whoever succeeds JoePa will have enormous shoes to fill. Probably unrealistic expectations to fulfill as well. Quite likely that whoever follows Joe as Penn State head football coach will not be given a great deal of time to meet those lofty expectations. And in several years Penn State will be looking for a coach again. Enter Al Golden.
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As far as the size of the crowd was concerned , Owlscoop's tweet of "Pathetically small crowd at the Liacouras Center for today's Temple-Akron game" sums it up best. Good news - the pep band was in full force, and spirited as well. Bad news, the pep band outnumbered the student body in attendance.
Studying for finals, I guess.
---------------------
Proceeds from the 50-50 raffle yesterday supported the dance team (aka Diamond gems). We purchased a string of tickets. Once again, no one in our crowd heard the announcement of the winning ticket. The dance team was especially inspired, as their second-half performance was their finest of the season. Well synchronized.
---------------------
Allen. Or Alan. Must not be a very popular name among Philadelphia hoops fans. But I give credit to the Athletic Department for making the effort to promote the game, and one of its high-profile players. Anyone with the first or last name of "Allen" or "Alan" was entitled to a heavily discounted ticket for yesterday's game.
---------------------
With yesterday's win, the Owls have now won 12 straight in the Liacouras Center. Defense has been the key to Temple's start. The Owls lead the Atlantic 10 in scoring defense (56.6 ppg.) and rank 11th nationally in the category. Georgetown's 65 points were the most an opponent has scored against Temple all season. A side note - yesterday's win was Temple's first ever over Akron.
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Encouraging signs from yesterday's victory. Akron made their first three shots. Then they made three of their next 27 shots. To end the half, Temple scored 16 consecutive points, stretching a 24-15 lead to 40-15 at the half. Oppressive defense which held the Zips to nearly 30 points below their season average.For the Owls, twice as many assists (19) as turnovers (9). Shooting better than 50% from the field. Balanced scoring. Ten Owl players scored. Four Owls scored in double figures. Five, if you combine the points of Lavoy Allen and Juan Fernandez.
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Congratulations to Coach Golden. He leaves in good shape a once-downtrodden football program. I was among those who expected he would take over at Penn State for Joe Paterno. But perhaps he may end up there in a few years. Of course, whoever succeeds JoePa will have enormous shoes to fill. Probably unrealistic expectations to fulfill as well. Quite likely that whoever follows Joe as Penn State head football coach will not be given a great deal of time to meet those lofty expectations. And in several years Penn State will be looking for a coach again. Enter Al Golden.
20101210
Chronicowls '11, Post 2 (Temple-Georgetown)
This tweet from the Temple University's Office of University Communications:
#Temple takes down #10 Georgetown 68-65! Hoyas 1st loss 2010; Dunphy's 400th career win. Students storm court. Moore career-high 30 pts.
There you have it. Last night's game, summed up in 140 characters.
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We secured a parking spot on Cecil Moore Avenue, just outside the Liacouras Center. We took it as a sign that the evening was going to be a memorable one.We were further convinced that this game had the makings of an evening to remember when, 15 seconds into the game, Juan Fernandez scored. Temple supporters were thus able to quickly take their seats, much to the relief of a handful of fans (first-timers to the Liacouras Center, no doubt, as they were unaware of the Temple tradition of standing until the Owl's first point) seated behind us who were quick to call out "down in front" as the tip-off approached. Temple scored the first six points of the game, and never trailed. Plenty of drama remained, nonetheless, as the game's outcome came down to the final shot.
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Temple had featured balanced scoring thus far in the season. Not last night. Juan Fernandez had seven points in the game's first five minutes. He did not score again. 16 minutes remained in the game when Lavoy Allen scored his first basket. Allen and Fernandez combined for 13 points for the entire game. Ramone Moore tallied more points just in the FIRST HALF.
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And what an evening Moore had. On national television, no less. A breakthrough game. One year ago,almost to the day, a Big East school (Villanova) came into the Liacouras Center unbeaten and ranked in the top 10. An Owl guard (Fernandez) had a career game (scoring 33 points) to lead the Owls to a stunning victory over their city rivals. Last night, another Big East school , unbeaten and ranked in the top 10, visited the Liacouras Center. And another Owl guard , Ramone Moore, produced a career game to lead the Owls to an upset victory.
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Temple's first half was one of the better stretches of basketball they've played this season. Better than 50% shooting from the field. Making almost half of their three-point shots. And not missing a foul shot. (In fact, neither side missed a foul shot in the opening half). Yet the Owls couldn't shake the Hoyas. At one point in the first half, Georgetown went four minutes without scoring , yet Temple led only by seven points. Five minutes without scoring a basket didn't help matters for Temple.
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Enthusiastic and sizeable crowd last night. Student section full and spirited. The pep band in full complement. And new time-out contests introduced last night ( a bowling game and dice game). And an entertaining intermission show by a talented acrobatic tumbling squad. Yet, while last night's attendance (9509) is likely to be the largest this season, there were nearly a thousand empty seats. Disappointing.
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We were pleased to learn at the beginning of the season that Chickie and Pete's and Whelihan's would be setting up concession stands at the Liacouras Center. Their food choices, we discovered last night, are limited, and so I expect we'll be back to having pre or post game meals outside the Liacouras Center.
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A milestone was reached last night. Congratulations to Coach Dunphy, who picked his 400th win as a college coach. Only his predecessor, John Chaney, has more wins as a Big Five coach.
#Temple takes down #10 Georgetown 68-65! Hoyas 1st loss 2010; Dunphy's 400th career win. Students storm court. Moore career-high 30 pts.
There you have it. Last night's game, summed up in 140 characters.
-----------------------
We secured a parking spot on Cecil Moore Avenue, just outside the Liacouras Center. We took it as a sign that the evening was going to be a memorable one.We were further convinced that this game had the makings of an evening to remember when, 15 seconds into the game, Juan Fernandez scored. Temple supporters were thus able to quickly take their seats, much to the relief of a handful of fans (first-timers to the Liacouras Center, no doubt, as they were unaware of the Temple tradition of standing until the Owl's first point) seated behind us who were quick to call out "down in front" as the tip-off approached. Temple scored the first six points of the game, and never trailed. Plenty of drama remained, nonetheless, as the game's outcome came down to the final shot.
----------------------
Temple had featured balanced scoring thus far in the season. Not last night. Juan Fernandez had seven points in the game's first five minutes. He did not score again. 16 minutes remained in the game when Lavoy Allen scored his first basket. Allen and Fernandez combined for 13 points for the entire game. Ramone Moore tallied more points just in the FIRST HALF.
----------------------
And what an evening Moore had. On national television, no less. A breakthrough game. One year ago,almost to the day, a Big East school (Villanova) came into the Liacouras Center unbeaten and ranked in the top 10. An Owl guard (Fernandez) had a career game (scoring 33 points) to lead the Owls to a stunning victory over their city rivals. Last night, another Big East school , unbeaten and ranked in the top 10, visited the Liacouras Center. And another Owl guard , Ramone Moore, produced a career game to lead the Owls to an upset victory.
---------------------
Temple's first half was one of the better stretches of basketball they've played this season. Better than 50% shooting from the field. Making almost half of their three-point shots. And not missing a foul shot. (In fact, neither side missed a foul shot in the opening half). Yet the Owls couldn't shake the Hoyas. At one point in the first half, Georgetown went four minutes without scoring , yet Temple led only by seven points. Five minutes without scoring a basket didn't help matters for Temple.
--------------------
Enthusiastic and sizeable crowd last night. Student section full and spirited. The pep band in full complement. And new time-out contests introduced last night ( a bowling game and dice game). And an entertaining intermission show by a talented acrobatic tumbling squad. Yet, while last night's attendance (9509) is likely to be the largest this season, there were nearly a thousand empty seats. Disappointing.
-------------------
We were pleased to learn at the beginning of the season that Chickie and Pete's and Whelihan's would be setting up concession stands at the Liacouras Center. Their food choices, we discovered last night, are limited, and so I expect we'll be back to having pre or post game meals outside the Liacouras Center.
-------------------
A milestone was reached last night. Congratulations to Coach Dunphy, who picked his 400th win as a college coach. Only his predecessor, John Chaney, has more wins as a Big Five coach.
20101205
A Look Back to 2009 Chronicowls
Last regular season home game last night. Last time we'll see Sergio and Semaj at the Liacouras Center. (I'm not going to count a NIT game if Temple should host one). And, of course, the last celebration at the Liacouras Center of Five Months of Christmas.
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Last night's game drew the largest crowd of the season (just a little more than 9300). We figured the crowd would be a large one when at 7pm we came to a traffic standstill FOUR blocks from the Liacouras Center. There was even a line waiting to get IN the parking garage. Can't begin to imagine what the line was like getting OUT. We made sure we wouldn't find out - we parked on the street near 17th and Berks.
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Lines of traffic were hardly the last lines we encountered. The beer lines were exceptionally long. We did convey our best wishes to Peg, who has dutifully staffed the Yuengling kiosk near the lobby for at least two seasons, and perhaps more. She's graduating from Temple this spring with a degree in Nursing. We're confident she'll do well as she ventures out into the world after college (our health care system surely needs more nurses). Lines for the rest rooms were plenty long as well.
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In an evening full of "last times", there were several "first times". One of the regular halftime activities is a contest where a Temple student has 60 seconds to sink a basket from half-court. Of course, most have difficulty hitting the rim. Last night's contestant was sharp. His first six tosses each hit the rim, one going in-and-out. His seventh was an air ball. His eighth went IN! FIRST time I've seen that shot made since the Liacouras Center opened more than a decade ago. For his accomplishment, he won $5000 toward the first year lease of a Toyota. Another halftime contest involved two students rolling across the floor to furl themselves in a shroud, then unfurling themselves by rolling back across the floor, and having completed that inane activity, grabbing a basketball, dribbling down the court, and making a layup. I didn't notice what the student who scored first won for this prodigious feat, nor what company sponsored this event. I do know this was the FIRST time I saw this event, and I expect(and hope) it will be the LAST. I much prefer the halftime entertainment where two students encased in a styrofoam Dunkin' Donuts cup (shaped like a vest so that the contestants can use their arms to dribble and shoot the ball) race down the court to see who'll be first to make a layup and foul shot.
Another FIRST last night - the winning raffle number was announced precisely when we were advised the announcement would be made - at halftime. Took all season but finally somebody got it right.
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The Diamond Gems were in fine form last night,as was the Pep Band, which turned out, ,along with the Wild Cherry student section, in larger-than-usual numbers.
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The seniors stood out last night on Senior Night. Christmas and Olmos were the two leading scorers, and Inge had a solid night, collecting 9 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks, while committing only one turnover. The Owls had a strong 1.6 assist/turnover ratio, committing only ten turnovers for the game. Fernandez had a steady floor game, putting up 5 assists and but 1 turnover. For context, consider that a 1.6 ratio for the season would have the Owls second in the country (as it is, their 1.2 ratio going into last night's game placed them at 34th -out of more than 300). Temple does lead the A-10 conference in assist/turnover ratio. Olmos is the first tall player in many, many years to steadily improve during his career at Temple. I think that speaks to Dunphy's coaching abilities (and that of his staff) . Temple's defense has improved considerably over the season (and it is now the top-ranked defense in the conference), another testament to the coaching staff.
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While any win over St. Joe's is to be savored, this year's Hawk squad is mediocre. "Take away Nivins, and you've got Fordham" is how one of the neighboring fans put it last night. The Hawks went through an 8 minute stretch last night without a basket. What was disappointing was that the Owls built but an 11-point lead during that period, and of course St. Joe's came back to cut the deficit to 2. That was as close as the Hawks were to get.
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It's been a good home season, 9 up, and just 2 down. Those two losses(Miami, Ohio and LaSalle) likely cost the Owls an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament. Now, the Owls must repeat last year's A-10 conference tournament championship to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. Last night's win earned Temple a bye in next week's tournament in Atlantic City.
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The oddsmakers were right on again last night. Temple was favored by 8. With four and a half minutes left in the game, Temple was
ahead by 8. Sergio Olmos' foul shot with 10 seconds left in the game gave the Owls their final winning margin of 9.
---------------------
Likely, this is the final Chronicowls post of the season. I've enjoyed writing, and from your comments, I take it that most of you have enjoyed reading the posts. And in ways small and large, those of you who have joined me at the games have provided spark, inspiration, and insights that have found their way into these posts.
FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT
FOR THE CHERRY AND WHITE
-------------------------
Last night's game drew the largest crowd of the season (just a little more than 9300). We figured the crowd would be a large one when at 7pm we came to a traffic standstill FOUR blocks from the Liacouras Center. There was even a line waiting to get IN the parking garage. Can't begin to imagine what the line was like getting OUT. We made sure we wouldn't find out - we parked on the street near 17th and Berks.
------------------------
Lines of traffic were hardly the last lines we encountered. The beer lines were exceptionally long. We did convey our best wishes to Peg, who has dutifully staffed the Yuengling kiosk near the lobby for at least two seasons, and perhaps more. She's graduating from Temple this spring with a degree in Nursing. We're confident she'll do well as she ventures out into the world after college (our health care system surely needs more nurses). Lines for the rest rooms were plenty long as well.
------------------------
In an evening full of "last times", there were several "first times". One of the regular halftime activities is a contest where a Temple student has 60 seconds to sink a basket from half-court. Of course, most have difficulty hitting the rim. Last night's contestant was sharp. His first six tosses each hit the rim, one going in-and-out. His seventh was an air ball. His eighth went IN! FIRST time I've seen that shot made since the Liacouras Center opened more than a decade ago. For his accomplishment, he won $5000 toward the first year lease of a Toyota. Another halftime contest involved two students rolling across the floor to furl themselves in a shroud, then unfurling themselves by rolling back across the floor, and having completed that inane activity, grabbing a basketball, dribbling down the court, and making a layup. I didn't notice what the student who scored first won for this prodigious feat, nor what company sponsored this event. I do know this was the FIRST time I saw this event, and I expect(and hope) it will be the LAST. I much prefer the halftime entertainment where two students encased in a styrofoam Dunkin' Donuts cup (shaped like a vest so that the contestants can use their arms to dribble and shoot the ball) race down the court to see who'll be first to make a layup and foul shot.
Another FIRST last night - the winning raffle number was announced precisely when we were advised the announcement would be made - at halftime. Took all season but finally somebody got it right.
----------------------
The Diamond Gems were in fine form last night,as was the Pep Band, which turned out, ,along with the Wild Cherry student section, in larger-than-usual numbers.
-----------------------
The seniors stood out last night on Senior Night. Christmas and Olmos were the two leading scorers, and Inge had a solid night, collecting 9 points, 4 steals, 2 blocks, while committing only one turnover. The Owls had a strong 1.6 assist/turnover ratio, committing only ten turnovers for the game. Fernandez had a steady floor game, putting up 5 assists and but 1 turnover. For context, consider that a 1.6 ratio for the season would have the Owls second in the country (as it is, their 1.2 ratio going into last night's game placed them at 34th -out of more than 300). Temple does lead the A-10 conference in assist/turnover ratio. Olmos is the first tall player in many, many years to steadily improve during his career at Temple. I think that speaks to Dunphy's coaching abilities (and that of his staff) . Temple's defense has improved considerably over the season (and it is now the top-ranked defense in the conference), another testament to the coaching staff.
-----------------------
While any win over St. Joe's is to be savored, this year's Hawk squad is mediocre. "Take away Nivins, and you've got Fordham" is how one of the neighboring fans put it last night. The Hawks went through an 8 minute stretch last night without a basket. What was disappointing was that the Owls built but an 11-point lead during that period, and of course St. Joe's came back to cut the deficit to 2. That was as close as the Hawks were to get.
-----------------------
It's been a good home season, 9 up, and just 2 down. Those two losses(Miami, Ohio and LaSalle) likely cost the Owls an at-large berth in the NCAA tournament. Now, the Owls must repeat last year's A-10 conference tournament championship to secure a spot in the NCAA tournament. Last night's win earned Temple a bye in next week's tournament in Atlantic City.
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The oddsmakers were right on again last night. Temple was favored by 8. With four and a half minutes left in the game, Temple was
ahead by 8. Sergio Olmos' foul shot with 10 seconds left in the game gave the Owls their final winning margin of 9.
---------------------
Likely, this is the final Chronicowls post of the season. I've enjoyed writing, and from your comments, I take it that most of you have enjoyed reading the posts. And in ways small and large, those of you who have joined me at the games have provided spark, inspiration, and insights that have found their way into these posts.
FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT
FOR THE CHERRY AND WHITE
20101204
Chronicowls, '11, Post 1 (Temple-Seton Hall, Toledo)
Quirky start to the Owls hoops schedule this season. First two games at home (an unusual Friday night game, followed by a Sunday afternoon game the same weekend). Then, the Owls go on the road and don't return until nearly four weeks later, for one of the prime match-ups this season at the Liacouras Center, against the Georgetown Hoyas. To accommodate national TV, this game will have a 9pm tip-off.
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A recent issue of Sports Illustrated included its annual college basketball preview. On the cover were SI's picks for the top 20. Among the elite, for the first time in recent memory ( at least a decade) was none other than Temple. Optimism unbounded. Could this be the season of 30 wins?
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How fortuitous. A fund and friend raising gala at the Wagner Free Institute of Science brought a group of us to 17th and Montgomery (three blocks from the Liacouras Center) just hours before the home opener. The Wagner Institute is one of those lesser-known museums worth a visit, or two.
The Wagner Institute’s nineteenth century exhibit hall – a soaring three-story space – houses an extraordinary collection of natural history specimens including mounted birds and mammals, fossils, rocks and minerals, insects, shells, dinosaur bones, and the first American saber-toothed tiger, discovered on a museum-sponsored expedition to Florida in 1886. Among the exhibits is one of the larger collection of owls I've come across anywhere. A good ten minutes admiring this collection was a fine, if not unusual, way to "get ready" for the imminent Owls hoops season. Speaking of owls, I realize they're predatory birds, but I sure preferred the Temple Owl that exuded wisdom over the current one.
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Following a convivial time at the Wagner, we trekked the three blocks to the Liacouras Center for the home opener against Seton Hall. A slow start for the Owls (which we thankfully missed) but our arrival coincided with an 18-4 first-half Temple run that gave Temple a lead they didn't relinquish. Thinking the game was well in hand (the Owls had a 10-point lead with less than a minute remaining), some of us made our way to the exit. Only later did we learn that Seton Hall ran off twelve consecutive points and cut the deficit to four.
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A respectable crowd of more than 8300 was in attendance. I won't be surprised if that turns out to be among the three largest crowds this season (it would have been the fourth largest crowd at the Liacouras center last season). Too bad, because the Owls have shown to be an exciting (and winning) team over the past few years, and this season should be no different. At least the athletic department has been more aggressive this year in its promotional efforts. Perhaps that will make a difference in drawing larger crowds this season.
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Some disappointing signs from the game. The Owls had 18 turnovers. To put this in context, Temple ranked ninth nationally last year in fewest turnovers per game (just over 10 per game). They made only 2 of 12 three-point shots, and but 61% of free throws. Will need to do better (much better , actually) than that to have a 25-win season.
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A crowd half the size of Friday night's showed up Sunday to watch the Owls square off against Toledo, a 31-point underdog. In an impressive display against an unimpressive opponent, the Owls prevailed by 33.
Uncanny, how good those oddsmakers are at their jobs. Five Owls in double figures (now that's balanced scoring) and an astounding 26 assists, against only 6 turnovers. The winning margin was Temple's largest in nearly four years. Our exit rule for the game - 30 point lead with 10 minutes left in the game. We left at the 10-minute mark. Not much more to be said about this day. Temple went into the game ranked 22nd nationally, and did not hurt their ranking.
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Most likely, there won't be another Chronicowls until after the next home game - against Georgetown.
Your comments to these blog posts are invited. Let's grow this community of Temple hoops fans.
-----------------
A recent issue of Sports Illustrated included its annual college basketball preview. On the cover were SI's picks for the top 20. Among the elite, for the first time in recent memory ( at least a decade) was none other than Temple. Optimism unbounded. Could this be the season of 30 wins?
-----------------
How fortuitous. A fund and friend raising gala at the Wagner Free Institute of Science brought a group of us to 17th and Montgomery (three blocks from the Liacouras Center) just hours before the home opener. The Wagner Institute is one of those lesser-known museums worth a visit, or two.
------------------
Following a convivial time at the Wagner, we trekked the three blocks to the Liacouras Center for the home opener against Seton Hall. A slow start for the Owls (which we thankfully missed) but our arrival coincided with an 18-4 first-half Temple run that gave Temple a lead they didn't relinquish. Thinking the game was well in hand (the Owls had a 10-point lead with less than a minute remaining), some of us made our way to the exit. Only later did we learn that Seton Hall ran off twelve consecutive points and cut the deficit to four.
-------------------
A respectable crowd of more than 8300 was in attendance. I won't be surprised if that turns out to be among the three largest crowds this season (it would have been the fourth largest crowd at the Liacouras center last season). Too bad, because the Owls have shown to be an exciting (and winning) team over the past few years, and this season should be no different. At least the athletic department has been more aggressive this year in its promotional efforts. Perhaps that will make a difference in drawing larger crowds this season.
-------------------
Some disappointing signs from the game. The Owls had 18 turnovers. To put this in context, Temple ranked ninth nationally last year in fewest turnovers per game (just over 10 per game). They made only 2 of 12 three-point shots, and but 61% of free throws. Will need to do better (much better , actually) than that to have a 25-win season.
-------------------
A crowd half the size of Friday night's showed up Sunday to watch the Owls square off against Toledo, a 31-point underdog. In an impressive display against an unimpressive opponent, the Owls prevailed by 33.
Uncanny, how good those oddsmakers are at their jobs. Five Owls in double figures (now that's balanced scoring) and an astounding 26 assists, against only 6 turnovers. The winning margin was Temple's largest in nearly four years. Our exit rule for the game - 30 point lead with 10 minutes left in the game. We left at the 10-minute mark. Not much more to be said about this day. Temple went into the game ranked 22nd nationally, and did not hurt their ranking.
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Most likely, there won't be another Chronicowls until after the next home game - against Georgetown.
Your comments to these blog posts are invited. Let's grow this community of Temple hoops fans.
20101202
Chronicowls, MMX, Post8
Though Tim signed off a week back, Chronicowls breathes a final regular season gasp, brought to you by he (being me) who goes as, just, Tall. A deal's a deal. Complimentary ticket to the Owlfinale…no charge for Chronicowls. Fair’nuff.
Where to start? With Owltoids, of course:
· Viva Rafael DeLeon. Forget the !5 Minutes of Fame guarantee. Rafa, one of three departing seniors (plus Brooks and Guzman), got his 15 minute moment compressed into less than four on this day of days. Doubtless with family, neighbors and Aunt Minnie looking on, Dunphy gave the reserve (operative word) forward Career Start #1. Not a moment too soon, it lasted till he drew a charge (his only stat). Which was about all the charging in the first half.
· What an ugly 20-min. frame it was. Balls slamming all the wrong things. Errant passes. Execution and grace nowhere. Almost dead on our feet awaiting the first home bucket. Down 6-5 at the first 5 min. mark, even steven 13, then 20 at the next two and, finally, the day’s first lead at the buzzer, 30-29 on a shot, had it been subjected to replay, that may well have failed to fall. The Colonials could’ve cried foul, but couldn’t as proceedings weren’t being televised. As the Inky would have it, the “Owls got off to an uneven start.” Yup, they got off alright. “Uneven” put it kindly.
· What a week, though. Beat the Explorers to snag the Big Five title, going 4-0 in the City Series for the first time since ’87-’88. That, of course, with a win over dem Wildcats, who, by the way, dropped four of their final six, and better hope they don’t pass the Owls going down. Then Wed., beat the Billikens, holding their leading scorer to just 7 pts. And now GW (to lead that series 49-16), to share the A-10 title with Xavier (both 14-2, before tiebreaker the Owls’ way), and to earn top seed in the tourney with a 1st round bye, opening Fri. vs. the Duquesne-St. Bonaventure winner. Oh, and, even should they go up in early flames, presumably a Big Dance at-large bid.
· Not to mention, what a finish. Final seven games, seven W’s, by 87 aggregate points, or nearly 12.5 per game. To finish at 26-5 (same as Duke, it should be noted), when, you’ll remember, the Cousounian Algorithm had forecasted the aggressive possibility of 25 W’s. With, by the damn way, John Chaney and 35 “former Owls” (many looking emphatically “former”) joining AD Kahuna Bill Bradshaw on court for halftime hugging. And yes, one of the 35 was indeed the Owl Without a Vowel, as in, “Where are you now, (Bill) Mlkvy?”
· How ‘bout Vegas and the spreads, huh? You know, someone’s been harping on this, ever full of wonderment at how the cosmic “they” can consistently play it so close. Well, sports fans, Sat. morning found two teams nationally suiting up at 13 ½ points.
Utah St.lorded it over New Mexico St.by 18, so all was cool there. The Owls? Well, those Owls trimmed GW by, are you sitting, 13. Somewhere, some high roller lost big on that one, given thatTemple
Utah St.lorded it over New Mexico St.by 18, so all was cool there. The Owls? Well, those Owls trimmed GW by, are you sitting, 13. Somewhere, some high roller lost big on that one, given that
· So, how ‘bout the second half? Glad you asked. Different story. We’re talking, pick it up, surge, play inspired ball, get serious, pour in 10 pts. more than the first half. Finish with 19 assists (vs. 9), 27 rebounds (vs. 30…whoops), and only 9 turnovers (vs. 14). Oh, and Lavoy Allen became the 46th Owl to bag 1,000 pts. (1,001, to be specific), which is not to be Rafa’s legacy, after all.
· So who was at the Liacouras Center Boston Syracuse Nebraska
· And who won the 50-50 drawing? Glad you asked. Said to be reliably drawn, and announced, during the first interminable time-out following halftime, it remains a mystery. Never happened, pure’n’simple. The Stulzman (not to be confused with the Statzman) is still holding a fistful of prospective winners, but…well, is a winner in fact a winner when it’s never called?
So that’s it for the regular season. We’re talking .8387096 winning ball here. Impressive. Or, as one might put it, extra-oorrrrrrdinary. With a beer following at Pub Webb, just because.
And if you like this edition of Chronicowls, be sure to visit www.ContentRazor.com early and often. Your friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, teammates, Funky Friday cronies, suppliers, bosses and clients will appreciate knowing about it as well. (Again, www.ContentRazor.com. Where else can you get such a deal on words?)
20101201
Chronicowls, MMX, Post7
I'll ask once again. Where are the Temple fans? Less than 6000 attended the game last night. Perhaps last night it was a good thing that there weren't 10.000 fans to witness Temple's shooting performance. But haven't we been told that the sign of a very good team is one that can win even when it's having an off night? That's the case, I'd submit, with the Owls. Last evening, Temple made fewer than one-third of their field goal attempts (and only 2 out of 15 three-point shots) , and just over 60% of their foul shots. Yet we won (and beat the point spread) over a team that had won 18 games this season, including recent wins over Xavier and Charlotte. Credit several factors. The Owls defense held Dayton to nearly 30 points under their season average, and the Owls offense turned the ball over but 8 times. That comes as small surprise for Owl fans, since Temple leads all Atlantic 10 schools in scoring defense and fewest turnovers. And while the 41 points Dayton scored may appear to be a ridiculously low number (one fan remarked that the score resembled that of an 8th-grade game), last night was the NINTH time that Temple has held its opponent to less than 50 points in a game this season. And back in December, one opponent didn't even score 40 points. Dayton went more than eight minutes in the first half without scoring. NOT A SINGLE POINT. --------------------------------
Dayton is one of the best rebounding teams in the nation. You wouldn't know from last night. Lavoy Allen had 10 rebounds at HALFTIME. He finished with 17 for the game. Allen remains on track to be the first Temple player in 40 years to average a double-double (points-rebounds) for the season. Juan Guzman may not score much, and so is underappreciated. Last night he had a career-high 7 assists, and NO turnovers. Once again, Ramone Moore was the high scorer. Seventh consecutive game in which Moore has scored more than 10 points. He's only a sophomore, and on the verge of stardom (IMHO).
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A 25-win regular season is within reach. That would be third-most in school history, and the most since the 87-88 team that for several weeks was ranked #1 in the nation. In fact, the 23 wins thus far is more than Temple has had over an ENTIRE season since the 2001 team won 24 games. So to say this has been an exceptional season is hardly overstating the case. I'll ask, one final time this season. So where are the fans? Only three crowds of more than 8000, and for an attractive home schedule. Games played in a new arena with scarcely a bad seat. I don't understand it. Frankly, I don't know anyone who does.
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Bought 50-50 raffle tickets. The women's fencing team was the beneficiary. That squad, by the way, is the school's must successful program. Has been for many years. Presently ranked #7 in the nation. And the coach, Nikke Franke, was recognized at halftime for earning her 600th career victory. And, oh yes, we went through another season without a winning raffle ticket.
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A chant has broken out in the student section near the end of all home games this season (with the exception of the loss to Kansas). No one in our section could make out the words of the chant - it wasn't something straightforward like You Suck, or that other popular and obscene chant of A--hole which comes out of the student section several times each game. Last night, I realized that the students, while jumping in place and clapping, are chanting "I believe that we have won". Not original, I've learned, but it's the first time I've heard it and I must say I LIKE IT.
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Positive reports ( two thumbs-up) on the food at the Pub Webb. The pulled pork sandwich is recommended. At least there's an alternative to the Draught Horse for a on-campus post-game spot to allow the parking garage to empty out. Some of us returned to Wino (in Northern Liberties, just 10 minutes from campus), where we enjoyed good meals and drinks, at reasonable prices. And I shouldn't forget that we joined in on a Quizzo game last night at Wino, and much to our surprise were in third place after the first two rounds. We figured we wouldn't much of a match for the twenty and thirty-somethings who were also playing, especially when a question in the first round had all four of us looking at each other in the hopes that one could identify just one movie in which actor Billy Zane had played. Our hopes were not realized. Not one of us had heard of Billy Zane. Turns out he played Kate Winslet's vile fiancé in Titanic, along with lesser roles in less successful movies.
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Temple is now 13th in the RPI. A #5 seed in the NCAA tournament is not out of reach. But that will require, I believe, winning all three remaining regular-season games, and reaching at least the semifinals of the A-10 tournament.
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I'll be out of town for the final home game, so likely this will be my final Chronicowls post of this season. It's been fun, and I appreciate your feedback, and words of encouragement (especially when I was sidelined with writer's block early in the season). Go Owls! I'm counting on each of you to join with the students at the end of the GW game - "I believe that we have won" are the lyrics.
Dayton is one of the best rebounding teams in the nation. You wouldn't know from last night. Lavoy Allen had 10 rebounds at HALFTIME. He finished with 17 for the game. Allen remains on track to be the first Temple player in 40 years to average a double-double (points-rebounds) for the season. Juan Guzman may not score much, and so is underappreciated. Last night he had a career-high 7 assists, and NO turnovers. Once again, Ramone Moore was the high scorer. Seventh consecutive game in which Moore has scored more than 10 points. He's only a sophomore, and on the verge of stardom (IMHO).
---------------------------------
A 25-win regular season is within reach. That would be third-most in school history, and the most since the 87-88 team that for several weeks was ranked #1 in the nation. In fact, the 23 wins thus far is more than Temple has had over an ENTIRE season since the 2001 team won 24 games. So to say this has been an exceptional season is hardly overstating the case. I'll ask, one final time this season. So where are the fans? Only three crowds of more than 8000, and for an attractive home schedule. Games played in a new arena with scarcely a bad seat. I don't understand it. Frankly, I don't know anyone who does.
----------------------------------
Bought 50-50 raffle tickets. The women's fencing team was the beneficiary. That squad, by the way, is the school's must successful program. Has been for many years. Presently ranked #7 in the nation. And the coach, Nikke Franke, was recognized at halftime for earning her 600th career victory. And, oh yes, we went through another season without a winning raffle ticket.
----------------------------------
A chant has broken out in the student section near the end of all home games this season (with the exception of the loss to Kansas). No one in our section could make out the words of the chant - it wasn't something straightforward like You Suck, or that other popular and obscene chant of A--hole which comes out of the student section several times each game. Last night, I realized that the students, while jumping in place and clapping, are chanting "I believe that we have won". Not original, I've learned, but it's the first time I've heard it and I must say I LIKE IT.
---------------------------------
Positive reports ( two thumbs-up) on the food at the Pub Webb. The pulled pork sandwich is recommended. At least there's an alternative to the Draught Horse for a on-campus post-game spot to allow the parking garage to empty out. Some of us returned to Wino (in Northern Liberties, just 10 minutes from campus), where we enjoyed good meals and drinks, at reasonable prices. And I shouldn't forget that we joined in on a Quizzo game last night at Wino, and much to our surprise were in third place after the first two rounds. We figured we wouldn't much of a match for the twenty and thirty-somethings who were also playing, especially when a question in the first round had all four of us looking at each other in the hopes that one could identify just one movie in which actor Billy Zane had played. Our hopes were not realized. Not one of us had heard of Billy Zane. Turns out he played Kate Winslet's vile fiancé in Titanic, along with lesser roles in less successful movies.
----------------------------------
Temple is now 13th in the RPI. A #5 seed in the NCAA tournament is not out of reach. But that will require, I believe, winning all three remaining regular-season games, and reaching at least the semifinals of the A-10 tournament.
---------------------------------
I'll be out of town for the final home game, so likely this will be my final Chronicowls post of this season. It's been fun, and I appreciate your feedback, and words of encouragement (especially when I was sidelined with writer's block early in the season). Go Owls! I'm counting on each of you to join with the students at the end of the GW game - "I believe that we have won" are the lyrics.
Chronicowls, MMX, Post6
This week's winter wallop meant getting onto and off the Temple campus yesterday was no small undertaking. Unless one travelled by subway or train. Never underestimate the extensive SEPTA network. And never underestimate the power of the home-court advantage. There's a reason why the oddsmakers give an 8-point swing between playing home or away.
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Hard to tell that Rhode Island entered yesterday's game at the Liacouras Center ranked #14 in the RPI table, ahead of Temple's #17 ranking. But as the Owls learned one week ago at Richmond, a team making more than two-thirds of its shots will win games handily. This time, it was Temple who were the hot shooters. Also hard to tell if the Rhode Island defense was weak, or the Owls coaching staff designed an effective game plan. Temple's 23 assists were a season-high. Juan Fernandez played nearly 20 minutes, during which time he handed out a team-high six assists, including an alley-oop pass to T.J. Dileo that resulted in a dunk. Lavoy Allen didn't have a double-double yesterday, but his box score was very impressive - 17 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 4 Blocks. Four Owls scored in double-figures. Not even mid-February and already a 20-win season.
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May never see this again - the Owls made EVERY ONE of their foul shots and three-point shots. Add to this mix making two-thirds of their other shots, and it's easy to understand why the Owls were never threatened in the second half. In fact, the Owls were never behind in yesterday's game.
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We didn't purchase 50-50 tickets yesterday. Of course, we heard loudly and clearly the announcement (during the first time-out following intermission) of the winning ticket. Does anyone else wonder how much the 50-50 raffle raises each game for the athletic teams? What if the PA announcer was to mention something like: "$840 was raised today for the women's lacrosse team - the student-athletes and Temple University thanks you for your generosity. "
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To give time for the parking garage traffic to exit, we visited Pub Webb, just half a block from the Syndeham St. entrance to the parking garage. Comfortable spot for a post-game recap, with music, plenty of TVs, friendly service, and pitchers of Yuengling for $12. Our second visit to Pub Webb, and unlike the first trip, we weren't subjected to a body search at the door. 45 minutes after game-end (and two pitchers later), the parking garage was still slowly exiting vehicles. Considering conditions on the streets, I'll give a pass this time to the garage officials. No such pass for the promotions department. Several years ago, the athletic department was recognized by its peers for the Hooter Birthday event. Gathering most of the area's team mascots to join in the celebration was a fresh idea. It's no longer fresh, and is very overproduced (and overused). And calling out "security" to rein in and pummel a contestant wearing a Villanova tee-shirt is a juvenile and embarrassing stunt. How about a time-out when there isn't any scheduled "entertainment"? And, is anyone else weary of the PA announcer giving play-by-play to the time-out contests?
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The Temple basketball program could use more corporate support. So it's good to see Philadelphia Federal Credit Union (PFCU) as one of the corporate sponsors. But we were all left yesterday wondering what or who exactly was the PFCU mascot? It was the sort of costume that had it been handed to just about anyone in attendance would have been immediately dismissed with a "do you really expect me to wear this out on the court?" I still can't tell you what it is, but its name is Moola Moola, and it is PFCU's kids club mascot. If you're not familiar with PFCU, they were the sponsor of last year's St. Patrick's Day parade. Don't know about this year.
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Four of Temple's next five games are on the road. And a first-round bye in the A-10 tournament is no sure thing. There are seven legitimate contenders for the top spot in the conference, so the Owls can scarcely afford a couple of slip-ups in the upcoming games.
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Hard to tell that Rhode Island entered yesterday's game at the Liacouras Center ranked #14 in the RPI table, ahead of Temple's #17 ranking. But as the Owls learned one week ago at Richmond, a team making more than two-thirds of its shots will win games handily. This time, it was Temple who were the hot shooters. Also hard to tell if the Rhode Island defense was weak, or the Owls coaching staff designed an effective game plan. Temple's 23 assists were a season-high. Juan Fernandez played nearly 20 minutes, during which time he handed out a team-high six assists, including an alley-oop pass to T.J. Dileo that resulted in a dunk. Lavoy Allen didn't have a double-double yesterday, but his box score was very impressive - 17 Points, 7 Rebounds, 4 Assists, 2 Steals, 4 Blocks. Four Owls scored in double-figures. Not even mid-February and already a 20-win season.
----------------------
May never see this again - the Owls made EVERY ONE of their foul shots and three-point shots. Add to this mix making two-thirds of their other shots, and it's easy to understand why the Owls were never threatened in the second half. In fact, the Owls were never behind in yesterday's game.
-----------------------
We didn't purchase 50-50 tickets yesterday. Of course, we heard loudly and clearly the announcement (during the first time-out following intermission) of the winning ticket. Does anyone else wonder how much the 50-50 raffle raises each game for the athletic teams? What if the PA announcer was to mention something like: "$840 was raised today for the women's lacrosse team - the student-athletes and Temple University thanks you for your generosity. "
-------------------------
To give time for the parking garage traffic to exit, we visited Pub Webb, just half a block from the Syndeham St. entrance to the parking garage. Comfortable spot for a post-game recap, with music, plenty of TVs, friendly service, and pitchers of Yuengling for $12. Our second visit to Pub Webb, and unlike the first trip, we weren't subjected to a body search at the door. 45 minutes after game-end (and two pitchers later), the parking garage was still slowly exiting vehicles. Considering conditions on the streets, I'll give a pass this time to the garage officials. No such pass for the promotions department. Several years ago, the athletic department was recognized by its peers for the Hooter Birthday event. Gathering most of the area's team mascots to join in the celebration was a fresh idea. It's no longer fresh, and is very overproduced (and overused). And calling out "security" to rein in and pummel a contestant wearing a Villanova tee-shirt is a juvenile and embarrassing stunt. How about a time-out when there isn't any scheduled "entertainment"? And, is anyone else weary of the PA announcer giving play-by-play to the time-out contests?
-------------------------
The Temple basketball program could use more corporate support. So it's good to see Philadelphia Federal Credit Union (PFCU) as one of the corporate sponsors. But we were all left yesterday wondering what or who exactly was the PFCU mascot? It was the sort of costume that had it been handed to just about anyone in attendance would have been immediately dismissed with a "do you really expect me to wear this out on the court?" I still can't tell you what it is, but its name is Moola Moola, and it is PFCU's kids club mascot. If you're not familiar with PFCU, they were the sponsor of last year's St. Patrick's Day parade. Don't know about this year.
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Four of Temple's next five games are on the road. And a first-round bye in the A-10 tournament is no sure thing. There are seven legitimate contenders for the top spot in the conference, so the Owls can scarcely afford a couple of slip-ups in the upcoming games.
Chronicowls, MMX, Post5
Ten Owl players scored last night. And Ryan Brooks, leading scorer for the season, was not one of the scorers until fewer than 10 minutes remained in the game. In fact, Temple's two leading scorers, Brooks and Fernandez, tallied but 12 points between them, yet the Owls prevailed by 16 over a mediocre Duquesne team. Lavoy Allen scored 14 points and nabbed 15 rebounds, helping his chances at becoming Temple's first player in 40 years to average double figures in point and rebounds for a season. The Owls came into the game ranked sixth nationally in fewest turnovers per game (10.5 tpg.). Last night was an subpar performance, as the Owls turned over the ball 14 times.
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The game's start suggested a less pleasant outcome. Two minutes into the game, and the Temple faithful were still on their feet, awaiting their team's first score. Our wait was prolonged beyond those two minutes on the game clock by, of all things, a coach's time out. Dismayed by the events on the court, Coach Dunphy called a time out, leaving us on our feet. Improvement was hardly immediate, as Duquesne took a 10-2 lead before the Temple reserves took control of the game. And take control they did. Temple outscored Duquesne 40-21 over the next 15 minutes. The Owls' leading scorer was Ramone Moore, who does not start. Rahlir Jefferson, a freshman, scored a career high 11 points. And T.J. DiLeo contributed a career-high 7 points, including a breakaway dunk.
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The number of fans in attendance might have filled McGonigle Hall. The crowd was announced as 4391. I doubt there were 3900. Is there another top 20 ranked team in the nation which attracts a smaller crowd than Temple? Gonzaga, you're thinking? No, the Zags drew capacity crowds of 6000 for each of their last two home games. Northern Iowa? Well, they've fallen out of the top 20, but since they're in the top 25, let's take a look at their attendance. They were at home (Cedar Falls, Iowa) last night also. The attendance for their game - 6723. Maybe last night's attendance in Cedar Falls was unusual? The attendance at the previous home game topped more than 6000. I won't take this point any further, other than to say if you could identify a top 20 school whose home crowds are smaller, I'd like to know.
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In a previous post, I mentioned the Diamond Gems' fourth-place finish in a national college cheerleading division. Last night, the Gems were recognized by the PA announcer (yes, the one who sounds like Dracula is occupying the seat by the mike) for their accomplishment. In their final performance of the evening, they had many of the fans asking for the Gems of games past. Was that really the Gems in pants and sweatshirts? Order was soon restored, as halfway through their number, in suggestive fashion, the Gems shed their sweatshirts.
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Temple is 16th in the nation according to the RPI. The Owls are also 4-3 against teams ranked in the Top 50 of the RPI with wins over #3 Villanova, #21 Xavier, #12 Rhode Island and #44 Siena. Temple’s Top 50 losses are to #1 Kansas , #4 Georgetown and #42 Charlotte.
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The point spread last night was 13. One of the tip sheets for college basketball wagering suggested that the Owls were a lock to beat the spread. Sure didn't appear that way at the outset, but once again the oddsmakers know their business.
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Again, no radio nor television broadcast of the game. Just audio and video streaming. Perhaps these media are the wave of the future? Important game Saturday, at Richmond. 2pm tip-off. Game will be shown on ESPNU and broadcast on 1210 AM.
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The game's start suggested a less pleasant outcome. Two minutes into the game, and the Temple faithful were still on their feet, awaiting their team's first score. Our wait was prolonged beyond those two minutes on the game clock by, of all things, a coach's time out. Dismayed by the events on the court, Coach Dunphy called a time out, leaving us on our feet. Improvement was hardly immediate, as Duquesne took a 10-2 lead before the Temple reserves took control of the game. And take control they did. Temple outscored Duquesne 40-21 over the next 15 minutes. The Owls' leading scorer was Ramone Moore, who does not start. Rahlir Jefferson, a freshman, scored a career high 11 points. And T.J. DiLeo contributed a career-high 7 points, including a breakaway dunk.
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The number of fans in attendance might have filled McGonigle Hall. The crowd was announced as 4391. I doubt there were 3900. Is there another top 20 ranked team in the nation which attracts a smaller crowd than Temple? Gonzaga, you're thinking? No, the Zags drew capacity crowds of 6000 for each of their last two home games. Northern Iowa? Well, they've fallen out of the top 20, but since they're in the top 25, let's take a look at their attendance. They were at home (Cedar Falls, Iowa) last night also. The attendance for their game - 6723. Maybe last night's attendance in Cedar Falls was unusual? The attendance at the previous home game topped more than 6000. I won't take this point any further, other than to say if you could identify a top 20 school whose home crowds are smaller, I'd like to know.
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In a previous post, I mentioned the Diamond Gems' fourth-place finish in a national college cheerleading division. Last night, the Gems were recognized by the PA announcer (yes, the one who sounds like Dracula is occupying the seat by the mike) for their accomplishment. In their final performance of the evening, they had many of the fans asking for the Gems of games past. Was that really the Gems in pants and sweatshirts? Order was soon restored, as halfway through their number, in suggestive fashion, the Gems shed their sweatshirts.
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Temple is 16th in the nation according to the RPI. The Owls are also 4-3 against teams ranked in the Top 50 of the RPI with wins over #3 Villanova, #21 Xavier, #12 Rhode Island and #44 Siena. Temple’s Top 50 losses are to #1 Kansas , #4 Georgetown and #42 Charlotte.
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The point spread last night was 13. One of the tip sheets for college basketball wagering suggested that the Owls were a lock to beat the spread. Sure didn't appear that way at the outset, but once again the oddsmakers know their business.
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Again, no radio nor television broadcast of the game. Just audio and video streaming. Perhaps these media are the wave of the future? Important game Saturday, at Richmond. 2pm tip-off. Game will be shown on ESPNU and broadcast on 1210 AM.
Chronicowls, MMX, Post4
An exciting college basketball game at the Liacouras Center last night. Plenty of good shooting , especially by Temple in the second half, making more than two-thirds of their shots, and many tense moments. Juan Fernandez had a season (and career) high seven assists, Luis Guzman had a single turnover in 39 minutes of action while contributing 10 points, and four Owls (led by Ryan Brooks' 22 points) score in double figures. Temple's defense, which has been holding opponents to 55.5 points per game to rank third nationally, was good, but not exceptional, last night. But like every other game this season, the Owls held their opponent last night to a score below its season average.
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The oddsmakers , once again, were right on. Temple was favored by 5 points. Temple's winning margin was 5 points.
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The over-under for attendance last night was 7300 (no, you won't find the attendance over-under in the morning paper, it's available only in Chronicowls) . It was hard to tell from a glance around the arena whether the crowd last night was larger or smaller than 7300. Those who bet the under were winners - the crowd was announced as 6813 . Rather meager, considering that Temple is nationally ranked and Xavier was undefeated in conference play coming into the game. At least the student section was full of loud supporters. And the pep band was in full strength.
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In the most recent Chronicowls, I mentioned that there wasn't much energy flowing from the crowd or the court at last Saturday's game, and I added that even the Diamond Gems were absent from the event. Turned out their absence was for good cause. Over the weekend, the Temple University Diamond Gems Dance Team competed in its first ever national championship at the Universal Dance Association College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, held at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Over 85 dance teams from across the nation competed in this event (its basketball equivalent would be the NCAA tournament). The Diamond Gems competed in the Division 1 Hip Hop Category and finished in FOURTH place.
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If you weren't at the Liacouras Center last night, your options to follow the game were limited. There was NO radio coverage, nor streaming video. But if you accessed
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A loyal Owl fan commented the other day that he would have found laughable the preseason prediction that Temple would win 16 of its first 19 games. I agreed. But put together good coaching, solid defense, crisp ball movement that leads to more assists than turnovers, and balanced scoring, and all of a sudden you have the makings of a 16-3 team.http://www.owlsports.com you could listen to a streaming audio version of the game featuring Harry Donahue doing play-by-play with John Baum providing game analysis. By the way, a group of us attending a Temple soccer game at Ambler Field this past fall were joined on the sideline by John Baum. John is an administrator in the Temple athletic department, a classy guy, and a fine representative of the athletic department and university.
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The oddsmakers , once again, were right on. Temple was favored by 5 points. Temple's winning margin was 5 points.
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The over-under for attendance last night was 7300 (no, you won't find the attendance over-under in the morning paper, it's available only in Chronicowls) . It was hard to tell from a glance around the arena whether the crowd last night was larger or smaller than 7300. Those who bet the under were winners - the crowd was announced as 6813 . Rather meager, considering that Temple is nationally ranked and Xavier was undefeated in conference play coming into the game. At least the student section was full of loud supporters. And the pep band was in full strength.
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In the most recent Chronicowls, I mentioned that there wasn't much energy flowing from the crowd or the court at last Saturday's game, and I added that even the Diamond Gems were absent from the event. Turned out their absence was for good cause. Over the weekend, the Temple University Diamond Gems Dance Team competed in its first ever national championship at the Universal Dance Association College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, held at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida. Over 85 dance teams from across the nation competed in this event (its basketball equivalent would be the NCAA tournament). The Diamond Gems competed in the Division 1 Hip Hop Category and finished in FOURTH place.
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If you weren't at the Liacouras Center last night, your options to follow the game were limited. There was NO radio coverage, nor streaming video. But if you accessed
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A loyal Owl fan commented the other day that he would have found laughable the preseason prediction that Temple would win 16 of its first 19 games. I agreed. But put together good coaching, solid defense, crisp ball movement that leads to more assists than turnovers, and balanced scoring, and all of a sudden you have the makings of a 16-3 team.http://www.owlsports.com you could listen to a streaming audio version of the game featuring Harry Donahue doing play-by-play with John Baum providing game analysis. By the way, a group of us attending a Temple soccer game at Ambler Field this past fall were joined on the sideline by John Baum. John is an administrator in the Temple athletic department, a classy guy, and a fine representative of the athletic department and university.
Chronicowls, MMX, Post3
I came away from yesterday's game at the Liacouras Center with a lack of understanding.
I don't understand ...
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...how only 3000 fans show up for a Saturday afternoon game featuring a top 25 team (and #8 in the RPI rankings). Yes, I know the crowd was reported as nearly 4300, but unless 2000 of them were seated in the upper level, immediately above us and out of our view, the reported attendance was inflated. The student section was particularly sparse, and at times it seemed the pep band outnumbered the student body at the game. Even the Diamond Gems were MIA. The cheerleaders, usually overlooked, were in strong form yesterday and should see more action during future games.
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...how the oddsmakers are so accomplished at their craft. The line on yesterday's game had the Owls favored by 15. Temple was up by 15 with 21 seconds left in the game.
------------
...how Lavoy Allen can look so dominant during some stretches of the game, and disappear during others. Allen did not score a basket yesterday until the final 30 seconds of the game. He did however, pull down 14 rebounds, the most he's had in a game since he had 17 against Villanova. By the way, Lavoy Allen is on pace to become the first Temple player to average a double- double in nearly 40 years - Ollie Johnson accomplished the feat by posting team-highs of 13.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game as a junior in 1970-71.
------------
...how Temple could make more than half of their shots from three-point range and only a quarter of their shots from closer distances.
------------
...why the UMass coach would call not one but TWO timeouts with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game and his team down by more than 10 points. Was he trying to make sure his side beat the spread? They did.
------------
...how this Temple team has developed a knack for going on runs during games that stretch a tenuous lead into a commanding one. Yesterday, with 5 minutes elapsed in the game, Temple had a 11-9 lead, and had just turned the ball over. NO PROBLEM. The Owls scored the next 13 points, and over the next 10 minutes had grown their lead to 35-13. Conversely, in the second half, Temple went more than 4 minutes without scoring, and UMass cut a 16-point deficit to seven. Something similar occurred this past Wednesday evening, when Penn capitalized on a Temple cold spell to reduce a 15-point deficit to just five.
------------
...why the PA announcer has to narrate every action (she dribbles...he shoots...she misses... ) of the inane contests taking place during halftime and timeouts.
What's occurring on the court is very apparent to those of us in the stands. When a shot doesn't go through the basket we know that is a miss. Announce the names of student contestants and then push the mike away.
------------
Another solid game for the Owls yesterday. More assists than turnovers (19-12), very good foul-shooting (more than 90%), and strong defense (UMass scored more than 10 points below their season average). By the way, one of the reasons for Temple's success this season is how well they protect the ball (they're in the top 10 in the nation-out of 340 schools- in fewest turnovers per game).
Interesting match-up this coming Wednesday night at the Liacouras Center. Xavier brings a 12-5 record and four-game winning streak to Philadelphia. The over-under for that night's attendance is 7300.
I don't understand ...
------------
...how only 3000 fans show up for a Saturday afternoon game featuring a top 25 team (and #8 in the RPI rankings). Yes, I know the crowd was reported as nearly 4300, but unless 2000 of them were seated in the upper level, immediately above us and out of our view, the reported attendance was inflated. The student section was particularly sparse, and at times it seemed the pep band outnumbered the student body at the game. Even the Diamond Gems were MIA. The cheerleaders, usually overlooked, were in strong form yesterday and should see more action during future games.
------------
...how the oddsmakers are so accomplished at their craft. The line on yesterday's game had the Owls favored by 15. Temple was up by 15 with 21 seconds left in the game.
------------
...how Lavoy Allen can look so dominant during some stretches of the game, and disappear during others. Allen did not score a basket yesterday until the final 30 seconds of the game. He did however, pull down 14 rebounds, the most he's had in a game since he had 17 against Villanova. By the way, Lavoy Allen is on pace to become the first Temple player to average a double- double in nearly 40 years - Ollie Johnson accomplished the feat by posting team-highs of 13.6 points and 10.7 rebounds per game as a junior in 1970-71.
------------
...how Temple could make more than half of their shots from three-point range and only a quarter of their shots from closer distances.
------------
...why the UMass coach would call not one but TWO timeouts with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game and his team down by more than 10 points. Was he trying to make sure his side beat the spread? They did.
------------
...how this Temple team has developed a knack for going on runs during games that stretch a tenuous lead into a commanding one. Yesterday, with 5 minutes elapsed in the game, Temple had a 11-9 lead, and had just turned the ball over. NO PROBLEM. The Owls scored the next 13 points, and over the next 10 minutes had grown their lead to 35-13. Conversely, in the second half, Temple went more than 4 minutes without scoring, and UMass cut a 16-point deficit to seven. Something similar occurred this past Wednesday evening, when Penn capitalized on a Temple cold spell to reduce a 15-point deficit to just five.
------------
...why the PA announcer has to narrate every action (she dribbles...he shoots...she misses... ) of the inane contests taking place during halftime and timeouts.
What's occurring on the court is very apparent to those of us in the stands. When a shot doesn't go through the basket we know that is a miss. Announce the names of student contestants and then push the mike away.
------------
Another solid game for the Owls yesterday. More assists than turnovers (19-12), very good foul-shooting (more than 90%), and strong defense (UMass scored more than 10 points below their season average). By the way, one of the reasons for Temple's success this season is how well they protect the ball (they're in the top 10 in the nation-out of 340 schools- in fewest turnovers per game).
Interesting match-up this coming Wednesday night at the Liacouras Center. Xavier brings a 12-5 record and four-game winning streak to Philadelphia. The over-under for that night's attendance is 7300.
Chronicowls, MMX, Post2
The Owls earned a HUUUGE win, on the road today, against a team unranked in the polls but in the top 5 in the RPI ratings, an underreported indicator used by NCAA officials to decide who will be part , and who will not, of March Madness. The Owls prevailed in overtime, after failing to score a basket in the final five minutes of regulation and squandering a seven point lead. 14 turnovers (to match their number of assists) for Temple, an uncharacteristically sloppy performance. Which, I guess, shows just how good this Temple team is, to turn a mediocre performance into a win against a team that had lost just once before today's game. Fernandez, who had made just 3 of his 26 shots in the last two games, was back in form today and finished as Temple's leading scorer.
------------------------------------
Couple of easy home wins, and a dispiriting loss, since I last wrote. First was the throwback, or turn back the clock, game, at McGonigle Hall. A clever, and as it turned out, successful promotion. I doubt that 3900 fans would have turned out had the game been played at the Liacouras Center. And even if they had, the game there wouldn't have had the same feel as 3900 fans filling every corner of McGonigle. We arrived after tip-off, and despite having tickets(which entitled us to a section but not a seat) in hand, were initially denied entrance because "there was no more room". Reason eventually prevailed. Bowling Green folded under the pressure of playing in front of a packed house.
Less than a week later, another packed house (although to be honest there were numerous unoccupied seats in the student section) greeted the visitors from Kansas. First-time a #1 ranked team came into Liacouras Center. Wouldn't be surprised if there isn't another in our lifetime. This time, it was the Owls who folded in front of the full house and a national TV audience. And while the capacity crowd made for an exciting atmosphere, we were surprised by the large contingent of fans wearing blue Kansas gear. Either Kansas University sponsored a package trip to Philly (for the Mummers parade and hoops - the game was played , after all, the day after New Year's) or all Kansas alums east of the Mississippi decided to take in this particular game. Oh, what's that you say? This game was the ONLY time Kansas was scheduled to play east of the Mississippi River this season? Well, then, we have our answer. As for the game, those of you in attendance know, the less said, the better. Those of you not at the game, the less said, the better.
Could it have been only five seasons ago the Saint Joseph's University Hawks were the last Division I College Basketball team to finish the regular season undefeated? My, how far St. Joe's has fallen. I know we play the Hawks again this year, and I should not be writing them off, but the common wisdom was that the recruiting effect from that magical season would propel St. Joe's into an elite team for years. Hasn't happened. The Owls won the game this past Wednesday, by a margin larger than any of the past 25 years in this series, and Juan Fernandez did NOT score a point.
----------------------------------------
The Liacouras Center is a fine place to watch a basketball game. From any seat. Much like the Palestra, where we'll be for the next Temple game, against Penn. More on that in a moment. We sat, for the St. Joe's game, behind a basket, yet never felt distant from the action. The seats upstairs, I'm told, also provide a nice vantage point. Too bad the Owls, and the Liacouras Center, are underappreciated. The crowd for the St. Joe's game was reported as just over 6000. The place didn't look to be half-full. I'm curious to see the size of the crowd at the Palestra for this Wednesday evening's game. (I know, you're thinking that I'm curious to see, and guess, the size of the crowd for every game). Yet there is another reason for my curiosity. The Penn game (which is obviously not a Temple home game) is included in our Temple season ticket package. Not sure how this all came to be, but certainly somebody in the Athletic administration deserves credit. There, I said it.
-----------------------------------------
Once again, we didn't hear the winning ticket for the 50-50 raffle announced. At halftime, as we were advised by the track and field student-athletes hawking the tickets prior to the game. Or, during the first time-out after intermission, as is often done. Or at all. Not saying that this is all a hoax, but rather that there should be a better way of running this fund-raiser.
------------------------------------
Couple of easy home wins, and a dispiriting loss, since I last wrote. First was the throwback, or turn back the clock, game, at McGonigle Hall. A clever, and as it turned out, successful promotion. I doubt that 3900 fans would have turned out had the game been played at the Liacouras Center. And even if they had, the game there wouldn't have had the same feel as 3900 fans filling every corner of McGonigle. We arrived after tip-off, and despite having tickets(which entitled us to a section but not a seat) in hand, were initially denied entrance because "there was no more room". Reason eventually prevailed. Bowling Green folded under the pressure of playing in front of a packed house.
Less than a week later, another packed house (although to be honest there were numerous unoccupied seats in the student section) greeted the visitors from Kansas. First-time a #1 ranked team came into Liacouras Center. Wouldn't be surprised if there isn't another in our lifetime. This time, it was the Owls who folded in front of the full house and a national TV audience. And while the capacity crowd made for an exciting atmosphere, we were surprised by the large contingent of fans wearing blue Kansas gear. Either Kansas University sponsored a package trip to Philly (for the Mummers parade and hoops - the game was played , after all, the day after New Year's) or all Kansas alums east of the Mississippi decided to take in this particular game. Oh, what's that you say? This game was the ONLY time Kansas was scheduled to play east of the Mississippi River this season? Well, then, we have our answer. As for the game, those of you in attendance know, the less said, the better. Those of you not at the game, the less said, the better.
Could it have been only five seasons ago the Saint Joseph's University Hawks were the last Division I College Basketball team to finish the regular season undefeated? My, how far St. Joe's has fallen. I know we play the Hawks again this year, and I should not be writing them off, but the common wisdom was that the recruiting effect from that magical season would propel St. Joe's into an elite team for years. Hasn't happened. The Owls won the game this past Wednesday, by a margin larger than any of the past 25 years in this series, and Juan Fernandez did NOT score a point.
----------------------------------------
The Liacouras Center is a fine place to watch a basketball game. From any seat. Much like the Palestra, where we'll be for the next Temple game, against Penn. More on that in a moment. We sat, for the St. Joe's game, behind a basket, yet never felt distant from the action. The seats upstairs, I'm told, also provide a nice vantage point. Too bad the Owls, and the Liacouras Center, are underappreciated. The crowd for the St. Joe's game was reported as just over 6000. The place didn't look to be half-full. I'm curious to see the size of the crowd at the Palestra for this Wednesday evening's game. (I know, you're thinking that I'm curious to see, and guess, the size of the crowd for every game). Yet there is another reason for my curiosity. The Penn game (which is obviously not a Temple home game) is included in our Temple season ticket package. Not sure how this all came to be, but certainly somebody in the Athletic administration deserves credit. There, I said it.
-----------------------------------------
Once again, we didn't hear the winning ticket for the 50-50 raffle announced. At halftime, as we were advised by the track and field student-athletes hawking the tickets prior to the game. Or, during the first time-out after intermission, as is often done. Or at all. Not saying that this is all a hoax, but rather that there should be a better way of running this fund-raiser.
Chronicowls, MMX, Post1
At last, cleared of writer's block. I've been telling loyal readers of
Chronicowls that I've been saddled with writer's block. Not really, but
how else to explain lack of inspiration. Yesterday, at 4:55pm, with a
steady rain making for a dreary afternoon outside, the inspiration
poured forth, along with thousands of Temple students, who flooded the
court after a stunning Temple victory over #3 ranked Villanova. To be
exact, it must have been the chants of "We want Kansas"(referring to
Temple's first opponent in the New Year, and the #1 ranked team in the
nation) when I felt the urge to write. Brought to mind a game at
McGonigle Hall in February 1988 (the Owls had just defeated Penn St. to
run their record to 21-1 and were headed to #5 ranked North Carolina,
and James Taylor's Carolina in My Mind was blaring over the PA system).
And of course, the game at the Apollo of Temple(original name of
Liacouras Center) 10 years later where Pepe Sanchez sank three fouls
shots in the final seconds to lead the Owls to an improbable victory
over then #5 ranked Michigan St. And now, another Argentinian guard has
the game of his young career to lead the Owls to a triumph over
archrival Villanova.
-------------------------
The second half of yesterday's game was one of the finest 20 minutes
I've seen Temple play. They made more than 60% of their shots from the
field, turned the ball over but 4 times, and held Villanova to only 28
points. And while Fernandez' 33 points stand out, let's not overlook
Lavoy Allen's 17 rebounds, Ryan Brooks' 15 points in the second half,
and Luis Guzman's nearly flawless floor game (7 assists, 1 turnover).
The key to the game was a 23-4 Temple run over a 9-minute stretch
encompassing the end of the first half and opening of the second half.
-------------------------
Too bad more Temple fans weren't at the Liacouras Center to witness the
event. I was surprised, and disappointed, by the turnout. Less than 8500
fans. Even the student section had empty seats. Yes, it's the start of
exam week, but wouldn't two hours of top-flight college basketball be
a pleasant diversion from endless hours of cramming? And I certainly
expected more fans from 'Nova Nation (there, I finally acknowledge their
existence). There were more supporters from Penn State when the Nittany
Lions were at the Liacouras Center the week before. I hope I'm wrong,
but last night's crowd may be the closest to a home game sellout this
season. I'm not including the next home game (a "throwback" event, in
which the Owls will host Bowling Green at McGonigle Hall, where there
are fewer than 4000 seats - bleachers, actually). Perhaps I'll be
pleasantly surprised by the turnout when Kansas (currently ranked #!)
visits north Broad Street on January 2.
-----------------------
From the interminable lines at the concession stands during half-time,
you'd have thought that yesterday's game was a sell-out, and that Temple
expected a crowd of half that size. The concession stands were
understaffed, running out of beer and one-dollar bills to make change.
I don't know what the lines were like at the ticket windows prior to
the start of yesterday's game, but I do know that it took nearly 20
minutes to purchase seats for the Siena and Penn State games. Now, I
realize that the promotion Temple was running for the Siena basketball
game (show your ticket from the football game that afternoon, and you
were entitled to a $10 ticket for the hoops game) turned out to be a
successful one, but couldn't more windows have been opened so that those
who were taking advantage of the Temple Super Saturday promotion could
have gotten into their seats before halftime? Then again, perhaps that
wasn't such a bad thing that evening, Temple played an awful first half,
and won that game with an exceptional second half. The ticket sales
snafu nearly spoiled what must have been an unprecedented day - Temple
winning its 9th straight football game, and the hoopsters winning their
home opener against a team that had won a first-round March Madness
game last year.
------------------------
The oddsmakers yesterday had Temple a 4 point underdog. Were I a betting
man, I would have taken Villanova. Glad I limit my wagers to the golf
course.
------------------------
Recommendation for post-game meal and beverages - Less than 10 minutes
from the Liacouras Center, at 5th and Poplar, you'll find WineO. Good
food, excellent selection of wines and beers, to go along with a
fully-stocked bar, reasonable prices, and a casual setting. Ideal spot
before or after a game. A group of 11 of us were nicely accommodated
after the Penn St. game. And while we haven't been inside yet, we
discovered on the way back to our car last night a new spot on Cecil B.
Moore , between 15th and 16th, by the name of Pub Webb. Looks like it
may be an alternative to the Draught Horse.
Chronicowls that I've been saddled with writer's block. Not really, but
how else to explain lack of inspiration. Yesterday, at 4:55pm, with a
steady rain making for a dreary afternoon outside, the inspiration
poured forth, along with thousands of Temple students, who flooded the
court after a stunning Temple victory over #3 ranked Villanova. To be
exact, it must have been the chants of "We want Kansas"(referring to
Temple's first opponent in the New Year, and the #1 ranked team in the
nation) when I felt the urge to write. Brought to mind a game at
McGonigle Hall in February 1988 (the Owls had just defeated Penn St. to
run their record to 21-1 and were headed to #5 ranked North Carolina,
and James Taylor's Carolina in My Mind was blaring over the PA system).
And of course, the game at the Apollo of Temple(original name of
Liacouras Center) 10 years later where Pepe Sanchez sank three fouls
shots in the final seconds to lead the Owls to an improbable victory
over then #5 ranked Michigan St. And now, another Argentinian guard has
the game of his young career to lead the Owls to a triumph over
archrival Villanova.
-------------------------
The second half of yesterday's game was one of the finest 20 minutes
I've seen Temple play. They made more than 60% of their shots from the
field, turned the ball over but 4 times, and held Villanova to only 28
points. And while Fernandez' 33 points stand out, let's not overlook
Lavoy Allen's 17 rebounds, Ryan Brooks' 15 points in the second half,
and Luis Guzman's nearly flawless floor game (7 assists, 1 turnover).
The key to the game was a 23-4 Temple run over a 9-minute stretch
encompassing the end of the first half and opening of the second half.
-------------------------
Too bad more Temple fans weren't at the Liacouras Center to witness the
event. I was surprised, and disappointed, by the turnout. Less than 8500
fans. Even the student section had empty seats. Yes, it's the start of
exam week, but wouldn't two hours of top-flight college basketball be
a pleasant diversion from endless hours of cramming? And I certainly
expected more fans from 'Nova Nation (there, I finally acknowledge their
existence). There were more supporters from Penn State when the Nittany
Lions were at the Liacouras Center the week before. I hope I'm wrong,
but last night's crowd may be the closest to a home game sellout this
season. I'm not including the next home game (a "throwback" event, in
which the Owls will host Bowling Green at McGonigle Hall, where there
are fewer than 4000 seats - bleachers, actually). Perhaps I'll be
pleasantly surprised by the turnout when Kansas (currently ranked #!)
visits north Broad Street on January 2.
-----------------------
From the interminable lines at the concession stands during half-time,
you'd have thought that yesterday's game was a sell-out, and that Temple
expected a crowd of half that size. The concession stands were
understaffed, running out of beer and one-dollar bills to make change.
I don't know what the lines were like at the ticket windows prior to
the start of yesterday's game, but I do know that it took nearly 20
minutes to purchase seats for the Siena and Penn State games. Now, I
realize that the promotion Temple was running for the Siena basketball
game (show your ticket from the football game that afternoon, and you
were entitled to a $10 ticket for the hoops game) turned out to be a
successful one, but couldn't more windows have been opened so that those
who were taking advantage of the Temple Super Saturday promotion could
have gotten into their seats before halftime? Then again, perhaps that
wasn't such a bad thing that evening, Temple played an awful first half,
and won that game with an exceptional second half. The ticket sales
snafu nearly spoiled what must have been an unprecedented day - Temple
winning its 9th straight football game, and the hoopsters winning their
home opener against a team that had won a first-round March Madness
game last year.
------------------------
The oddsmakers yesterday had Temple a 4 point underdog. Were I a betting
man, I would have taken Villanova. Glad I limit my wagers to the golf
course.
------------------------
Recommendation for post-game meal and beverages - Less than 10 minutes
from the Liacouras Center, at 5th and Poplar, you'll find WineO. Good
food, excellent selection of wines and beers, to go along with a
fully-stocked bar, reasonable prices, and a casual setting. Ideal spot
before or after a game. A group of 11 of us were nicely accommodated
after the Penn St. game. And while we haven't been inside yet, we
discovered on the way back to our car last night a new spot on Cecil B.
Moore , between 15th and 16th, by the name of Pub Webb. Looks like it
may be an alternative to the Draught Horse.
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