Temple Is All Set For The NIT Quarterfinals
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Suddenly, the Temple Owls are the only City 6 team still playing basketball.
While Villanova is still recovering from their shocking NCAA exit last Saturday, Temple is getting set for the quarterfinals of the NIT. The Owls will play their third straight NIT home game Wednesday night as they take on Louisiana Tech in the NIT Quarterfinals. While the Owls would rather have been in the NCAA Tourney, players such as Guard Quenton DeCosey say they are using their NCAA snub as motivation.
"The whole team felt a little disrespected that we were left out of the (NCAA) Tournament," said DeCosey. "We just wanted to come into the NIT with aggression, playing hard as a team and trying to win the whole thing."
This game will be a rematch of a contest played earlier in the season. Back in November, Temple defeated Louisiana Tech, 82-75. Owls Coach Fran Dunphy expects an even tougher challenge in the rematch with the 27-8 Bulldogs.
"We have to be ready for them," Dunphy said. "We know how good they are. Their point guard is outstanding and their overall size and length is good. When they're making three's, they're very difficult to play against."
Temple has been given a big boost from Guard Will Cummings. The senior has provided his usual leadership while also excelling on the court. Dunphy had high praise for Cummings, as he plays out his final games as a Temple Owl.
"I think he's had a terrific college basketball career here at Temple and an unbelievable senior year," said Dunphy. "That one stretch this year where he got hurt didn't help us at all, but overall, he's had a wonderful career and has been a great representative of Temple Basketball."
DeCosey and the rest of the Owls have plenty of respect for Cummings and the rest of the seniors. The ability to keep their careers at Temple alive for at least one more week is a big reason why DeCosey and the rest of the non-seniors are motivated to win the NIT crown.
"It's extremely important," DeCosey said. "As a team, we just want to keep playing as many games as possible for the seniors. We want to keep extending their season and hopefully win the NIT."
