Feb. 20, 2008

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA - Despite a career-high tying 21 points from senior guard Timisha Gomez, the Saint Joseph's women's basketball team fell to Temple, 63-60, Wednesday evening at Alumni Mmeorial Fieldhouse.

The Hawks (14-12, 6-5 Atlantic 10) led for a majority of the second half, holding a 60-54 edge with 2:43 remaining. From there though, Temple's Ashley Morris took control, bringing the Owls within one, 60-59, with 1:41 remaining after a jumpshot and three pointer.

The Owls (16-11, 9-2 A-10) defense caused a quick SJU turnovers as the Hawks inbounded the ball on the ensuing play. Gaining control, Temple worked the ball around the perimeter, with Morris knocking down her second straight three pointer to put the Owls up 62-60 with 1:18 left.

Saint Joseph's offense failed to convert on its next possession, but was able to cause an Owl turnover and regain possession with 33 seconds remaining. On the ensuing play, the Hawks attempted to find an open player, but were forced to settle for the three-point attempt by freshman center Sarah Acker. The rookie's attempt was off the mark and fell out of bounds and into Temple's possession.

The Owls' Lady Comfort was fouled on the inbounds, and made the second of two free throws to put her team up 63-60 with 0:03 seconds remaining. Saint Joseph's attempted a long inbound pass, but the shot failed to reach the basket.

In the opening half, both teams exchanged baskets early, with the Hawks opening a 24-18 edge, as sophomore forward Brittany Ford capped a 5-0 spurt for SJU at 6:44.

Down 30-24, the Owls tallied the final two baskets of the half, with SJU taking a 30-28 lead into the lockerroom, with half its points coming courtesy of Gomez.

For the game, the Hawks shot 47.9 percent (23-of-48) from the field, 4-of-8 from three-point range and 10-of-11 from the foul line (90.9 percent). At the other end, Temple finished 23-of-55 from the floor (41.8 percent), 5-of-10 from behind the arc and 12-of-21 from the foul line (57.1 percent).

Individually, Gomez led the way for Saint Joseph's with 21 points and added seven rebounds, while Ford and classmate Ashley Logue each added 10 points apiece. Junior guard Mary Kate McDade added a team-high six assists, to go with seven points.

Morris was one of four Owls in double figures, posting a game-high 20 points.

The Hawks return to action Sunday, February 24, when SJU hosts George Washington at noon.