Owls Not Taking Anything For Granted When It Comes To Making The Tournament

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Temple Owls have 20 wins, a regular season conference crown, and a record of 7-2 against the rest of the top half of the conference.

But the Owls aren't making NCAA plans just yet.

Fran Dunphy's squad is heading to Orlando for the start of the American Athletic Conference Tournament. Temple will play on Friday against the winner of Thursday's matchup between East Carolina and South Florida. Many believe the Owls have a strong enough resume to go to the NCAA Tournament regardless of what happens in Florida this weekend. However, the Owls narrowly missed making the Big Dance a year ago after many believed they were going to be selected. Dunphy believes the best approach this weekend will be to focus on the conference tournament and leave the NCAA projections to the bracketologists.

"We haven't talked about projections whatsoever," said Dunphy. "There's nothing we can do about that. We've been through that drill before, so we're focusing on the winner of East Carolina and South Florida and that's the only thing on our minds at this point."

While Dunphy and his players look to remain focused, it is almost impossible to block out any NCAA speculation. Senior Quenton DeCosey felt the sting of being left out of the tournament a year ago, and believes the Owls must win as many games in Orlando as they can to feel secure on selection Sunday.

"We were left out last year by not winning one game here or there," DeCosey said. "Every game matters, so we're taking every game seriously and just getting ready for the tournament."

Temple has been involved in a host of close contests this season, and finished 14-4 in conference play. Dunphy believes those close calls may help his team now that the stakes are higher. Players understand one loss can end a season for teams, as the intensity of March Madness grows with each game.

"The fragile nature of winning and losing late in the year is just incredible," said Dunphy. "I like watching it, but in terms of rooting for this or rooting for that, there's nothing we can do about it. All we can control is trying to win our game."

The easiest way for Temple to avoid sweating it out on Selection Sunday is to win the conference tournament and earn the automatic birth. Despite the increased pressure and narrowly missing the tournament a year ago, many of the Owls seem relaxed and focused heading into the American Conference Tournament. DeCosey is hoping to make the most of his final opportunity to go dancing this March.

"It's the best time of the year," DeCosey said. "In March, it's tournament time. Every conference is playing for a conference championship. It's the best time to be a part of college basketball."