PHILADELPHIA — In an intense matchup on Sunday, Jamal Mashburn Jr. showcased his impressive skills by scoring 32 points, leading Temple to a narrow 80-77 victory over Tulane.
Mashburn was remarkably efficient, hitting 12 of 16 shots from the field and sinking 3 of 5 attempts from beyond the arc. He also contributed significantly at the free-throw line, making 5 of 6 attempts, which helped solidify the Owls’ strong performance. The victory improved Temple’s record to 12-6 overall, placing them at 4-1 in the American Athletic Conference.
Supporting Mashburn, Shane Dezonie played a critical role by scoring 13 points, going 3 of 6 from the floor and excelling at the free-throw line with 6 of 8 made shots. Zion Stanford was another contributor, finishing with 11 points after shooting 5 of 11 from the field, though he struggled from three-point range, failing to connect on all three attempts.
On the other side, the Green Wave’s Rowan Brumbaugh led his team with a strong performance, totaling 20 points while also providing seven assists and five steals. Kam Williams added to the scoring, contributing 15 points along with two steals and two blocks. Mari Jordan also made an impact, finishing with 15 points to help keep Tulane competitive.
The first half saw a tightly contested game, with Mashburn contributing 12 points, allowing Temple to hold a slight edge at halftime with a score of 34-33. The second half belonged to Mashburn, as he exploded for 20 points, enabling the Owls to seal the game with a narrow win.
This matchup not only showcased individual talent, but also highlighted the competitive nature of the American Athletic Conference, where every victory can have significant implications for league standings.