Temple Makes Late Rally To Secure Victory Over No. 3 Villanova

As Temple fans stormed the court you could tell how much this win meant to the Owls. Villanova had owned them the past few years and came in today expecting to easily win again.

Temple thought otherwise.

The Owls hadn't beated a top-five team since 2000 when Cincinnati was ranked No. 1. Villanova wasn't quite ranked that high, but the win is just as impressive.

Villanova came into the game averaging 84 ppg. Temple held them to 65, which is the lowest score the Wildcats have posted all year. That just proves how tough Temple's defense is.

Villanova was up at one point 33-19, but Temple just kept fighting back. Temple has a never quit attitude that some teams lack. They fought all the way to take a 42-37 lead early in the second half.

They never gave that lead up.

Temple was lead by their Argentinian hero Juan Fernandez, who has become one of Temple's better shooters this season. Fernandez drained seven three-pointers en route to a 33-point performance.

"I've been thinking about this game all week," Fernandez said. "I know Temple didn't beat Villanova for a long time. I think we needed this win. I think we need to prove ourselves."

Fernandez certainly proved himself Saturday night, leading the Owls to the huge comeback win over their rival. Temple fans may be thinking, "who needs Christmas when you have Fernandez?"

Ryan Brooks added 20 points for the Owls, while Lavoy Allen chipped in 10 points and 17 rebounds. Allen dominated the glass by having 10 more rebounds then any other player from either team. Luis Guzman lead the team with seven assists. Every Temple player helped in their own way to lead the team to victory.

Villanova was led by Scottie Reynolds who scored 23 points. Antonio Pena had 16 points and Corey Fisher had 14 as the only other double-digit scorers for the Wildcats. Five Villanova players average double figure point totals.

Temple's defense had Villanova struggling to find a rhythm all game. Villanova also wanted to push the tempo, but Temple continually slowed the pace of the game, preventing Villanova from getting any fast break points.

This is the greatest moment for any Temple fan, beating a rival at home who is ranked in the top five and in come-from-behind fashion. Temple beat a ranked Tennessee team last year. That win is nothing compared to the win Saturday night over the No. 3-ranked Wildcats.

This win should give Temple a boost. The Owls have a few more tough games before the out-of-conference schedule is over. Their next game is against Seton Hall, and they will also play Kansas. A game that nobody gives Temple a chance in seems like a much better game now that Temple proved it can hang with any team in the nation. The Jayhawks may want to pay attention, because if they overlook Temple like Villanova may have, they might get their wings clipped.

Temple is now 8-2 on the year and looks to keep their winning streak going against an undefeated Seton Hall team Saturday. Go Owls!