Temple comes back to stop Nova from sweeping the Big 5

The picture says it all. As Temple fans stormed the court you could tell how much this win meant to the Temple Owls. Villanova had owned them the past few years and came in today thinking they would easily win again. Temple thought otherwise. Temple hadn't beat a top five team since 2000 vs Cincinnati who was ranked #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 Villanova has had all year. It just proves how tough Temple's defense is. Villanova was up at one point 33-19. Temple just kept fighting back though. Temple has a never quit attitude that some teams lack. They fought all the way to take a 42-37 lead early in the 2nd half. Temple never gave that lead up.

Temple was lead by their Argentinian hero Juan Fernandez who has become one of Temples better shooters this season. Fernandez drained 7 3 pointers en route to a 33 point performance. Brooks added 20 points to lead the temple attack. "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." well Fernandez certainly proved himself tonight leading the owls to a huge comeback win vs rival Villanova. Temple fans may be thinking "who needs Christmas when you have Fernandez?" Lavoy Allen added 10 points and 17 rebounds. Allen dominated the glass by having 10 more rebounds then any other player from either team. Guzman lead the team with 7 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 points as the only other double digit scorers for the Wildcats. 5 Villanova players average double figure point totals but only 3 scored in double figures. Temple's defense had Villanova struggling to find a rhythm all game. Villanova also wanted to push the tempo but Temple kept slowing the pace of the game down preventing Villanova from getting any fastbreak points.

This is the greatest moment for any temple fan. Beating a rival at home who is ranked in the top 5 and in come from behind fashion. Temple beat a ranked Tennesse team last year. That win is nothing compared to the win tonight vs the #3 ranked Villanova Wildcats. This win should give temple a boost. Temple has a few more tough games before the out of conference schedule is over. Their next game is against Seton Hall. They also play Kansas to finish their out of conference schedule. A game that nobody gives Temple a chance in seems like a much better game now that Temple proved they could hang with any team in the nation. Kansas may want to pay attention because if they overlook the owls 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!