PHILADELPHIA – La Salle women's basketball dropped a Big 5 match up to the Temple Owls this afternoon 85-61. The Explorers fall to 3-7 on the year and will look to rebound on Thursday when the team welcomes the Villanova Wildcats to Tom Gola Arena.
 
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HOW IT HAPPENED:

• Defense was the name of the game in the first quarter of play. Both teams came out smothering the other's offense, both teams only totaling four points for over five minutes of the first.
• A three-point shot by Tarriyonna Gary ignited the Owl offense, however. Temple ended the first on a 9-2 run putting them up 13-6 after one.
• Gary started the second the same way she ended the first, hitting a three, but Molly Masciantonio aided in the Explorer comeback efforts. Her first deep shot of the day cut the Owl lead to nine.
• Nicole Melious got La Salle within seven halfway through the second. Her step-back jump shot made it 21-14 Temple.
• Both teams kept the pedal on the offensive motor the rest of the first half. Amber Bullard provided consistent points for the Explorers, ending the first half with five. The Owls found themselves on top 36-27 after the first half.
• The third quarter remains an issue for the Explorers. Temple came out firing in the third, outscoring the Explorers 12-5.
• Masciantonio was able to continue contributing, taking fouls, and converting on free-throws.
• The final frame of play was full of offense. The Owls finished the final quarter with their most points scored in a frame throughout the game, with 26 points.

 
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• Masciantonio has now scored her second straight game with at least 12 points scored, her best offensive stretch of the season
• Gabby Turco provided offense and defense for the Explorers today. She tallied ten points and six rebounds, tying a game-high on the team. Jolene Armendariz also recorded six rebounds.
• The Explorers out-rebounded the Owls in the first half 20-15, a hard achievement considering the high-level rebounding Temple has shown this season.
• La Salle turned the ball over 31 times today, which led to 30 points for the Owls.