In a thrilling basketball showdown in Philadelphia, Jamal Mashburn Jr. emerged as a standout performer, leading Temple to a remarkable 98-94 overtime victory over East Carolina. With this victory, Temple's record improved to 14-8 overall and 6-3 in the American Athletic Conference.
Mashburn's exceptional play was pivotal as he scored an impressive 32 points. His shooting accuracy was notable, sinking 10 out of 16 shot attempts, including two successful three-pointers from three efforts. Additionally, he maintained composure at the free-throw line, making 10 of 13 attempts, which significantly contributed to the Owls' victory. Steve Settle's contribution was crucial in overtime as he added seven points to secure the win. His decisive game-tying three-pointer with just over a minute left in regulation turned the tide in Temple's favor.
Other Temple players also delivered significant performances. Quante Berry demonstrated shooting prowess, achieving 21 points by making 8 of 12 shots, including a pair of three-pointers, and converting 3 out of 4 free-throw attempts. Zion Stanford's consistent performance resulted in 19 points, as he achieved an 8 of 11 shooting record from the field.
On the East Carolina side, C.J. Walker emerged as the standout player, contributing a game-high 33 points coupled with seven rebounds. RJ Felton played a formidable role, adding a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, along with two steals. Joran Riley added to the Pirates' efforts with 13 points, four assists, and two steals.
The game was not without its challenges for Temple, as they faced a halftime deficit of 33-26. However, their second-half resilience and strategic plays in the final moments allowed them to take the game into overtime and secure the victory.
With this win under their belt, Temple is gearing up to face South Florida on the road in their upcoming game on Thursday, while East Carolina will regroup to host Rice on Wednesday. The victory is expected to provide a morale boost for Temple as they continue their campaign in the conference.
Overall, the thrilling encounter showcased the grit and determination of both teams, but the heroics of Jamal Mashburn Jr. and Steve Settle stood out, ensuring that Temple emerged triumphant in a high-stakes game.