Temple women look to build momentum after strong start to in-conference play
The Owls look to go 4-1 when they host Memphis on Sunday after securing head coach Diane Richardson her 100th career victory in a win over Wichita State
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Temple’s midwest road trip, which featured victories over Tulsa and Wichita State, was capped off by head coach Diane Richardson’s 100th career win.
“I couldn’t have done it without my staff,” Richardson said. “I didn’t even know that it was 100 until they started throwing stuff at me. But I’m happy. I’m glad we accomplished that and I’m really proud of my squad.”
Of her 100 victories, 80 of them came over her five seasons at Towson; the rest at Temple.
Richardson made her mark at Towson in her second year and is trying to do the same at Temple. After a 9-21 first year at Towson, Richardson followed it up with a 20-13 season and the program’s first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance.
After an 11-18 season for Temple last year, the Owls have already amassed nine wins (9-7) and are 3-1 in the American Athletic Conference. Temple will look to win No. 10 and fourth in the AAC when they host Memphis (4-11, 0-4) on Sunday (2 p.m., ESPN+).
On the midwest trip, the Owls beat Tulsa by 10 points and followed it with their strongest performance of the season in a 23-point win against Wichita State, which secured Richardson’s 100th victory.
“Everybody played well,” Richardson said. “We’re excited about our trip out to the Midwest. I’m just excited.”
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What stood out for the Owls was their defense, which allowed 48 points to Tulsa and 49 points to Wichita State.
The Owls turned the ball over 25 times against the Shockers, but they only allowed five points off those turnovers.
“That’s another thing we’ve been talking about not getting your heads down,” Richardson said. “If you make a mistake, I’m gonna be there to dap you up and say it’s okay. We did turn the ball over but we did sprint back and play good.”
Temple’s success has been without leading scorer Tiarra East, who is dealing with a foot injury. Richardson said after the win over the Shockers that East should be good to go on Sunday.
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Temple is one of five teams in the AAC with only one loss in the conference. Only Charlotte (11-5, 4-0) remains undefeated in the AAC, and the Owls will host the 49ers on Jan. 21.