Wednesday, March 5th, 7:00 p.m. (et)

FACTS & STATS: Site: Liacouras Center (10,206) -- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Television: CSTV. Home Record: Duquesne 10-4, Temple 9-4. Away Record: Duquesne 5-7, Temple 6-5. Neutral Record: Duquesne 1-0, Temple 1-3. Conference Record: Duquesne 6-8, Temple 9-5. Series Record: Temple leads, 35-13.

GAME NOTES: The Temple Owls will close out the home portion of their schedule when they host the Duquesne Dukes in Atlantic 10 action at the Liacouras Center this evening. The Dukes are in desperate need of a victory, as the squad limps into this matchup with a four-game losing skid. The last time Duquesne was on the floor, the team suffered an 89-82 loss to Charlotte. It was the seventh road loss of the year for Duquesne, which is now a mere 6-8 in A-10 action. As for the Owls, they have won five of their last seven matchups, including a thrilling come-from-behind, 57-56 win over Saint Joseph's this past Sunday. The recent success has propelled the Owls into second place in the Atlantic 10 with a 9-5 record. Temple has had some success at home, posting a 9-5 mark at the Liacouras Center. With regard to the all-time series on the hardwood, the Owls have a strong 35-13 edge over Duquesne, and that includes an impressive 18-5 mark when games are played in Philadelphia.

The Dukes are riding a four-game slide, but the team has the ability to turn things around quickly, mainly because of strong offensive play. Duquesne is currently averaging a whopping 82.3 ppg, while shooting a strong, 45.4 percent from the field. Shawn James has been one of the top players in the conference down low, as the forward is leading the team in scoring (13.2 ppg), rebounding (7.1 rpg) and blocks (106). Kojo Mensah has jump from the starting lineup to the top reserve player, but in either spot the guard has performed, netting 12.5 ppg to go along with 91 assists. Kieron Achara rounds out the double- figure scorers with 10.5 ppg. The last time Duquesne was on the floor the team dropped 82 points on Charlotte, but the Dukes were atrocious defensively, and ultimately fell by a seven-point margin. Reggie Jackson led the way with 17 points in the loss, while Bill Clark and Mensah both contributed 14 points apiece. As for James, he finished with just six points, seven rebounds and four assists.

The last time Temple was on the court, the team grabbed a thrilling victory over Saint Joseph's. The Owls led just once in the matchup and that was with 21 seconds remaining in regulation, as Mark Tyndale buried a basket to put Temple ahead for good, 57-56. Tyndale finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, and is without question the top player for the Owls, posting 16.2 ppg to go along with team-highs in rebounds (6.8 rpg) and assists (112). Dionte Christmas, who is averaging an impressive 19.8 ppg, chipped in 10 points to go along with seven boards in the win over St. Joe's. Throughout the season, Temple has been mediocre offensively, netting 71.7 ppg, while shooting 46.8 percent from the field.

The Dukes are a very dangerous team, but on the road the squad has struggled with consistency. If Temple is able to contain Duquesne offensively, then the Owls should have no problem remaining in the win column.

Predicted Outcome

Temple 78, Duquesne 74