Here are some keys for Temple ahead of its Sunday statement game against Charlotte

Did a loss serve to Memphis serve as motivation to get back to business? Fans will find out this weekend when first-place Charlotte hits North Broad.

Temple's fast start in conference play was halted last Sunday in a loss to Memphis. Sunday provides a chance to shake it off and get some eyes back on the Owls when they host first-place Charlotte at the Liacouras Center.Read moreCharles Fox / Staff Photographer

by Max Dinenberg

Published Jan. 19, 2024, 2:00 p.m. ET

After beating Wichita State and Tulsa on a Midwest road trip, which lifted Temple to 3-1 in the American Athletic Conference, it felt like the Owls arguably had the most momentum they’d ever had under head coach Diane Richardson.

Temple was set up to continue its winning ways against a Memphis team that entered last Sunday’s contest winless in conference play. But the Tigers squeezed out a 59-57 win and dropped Temple to 3-2 in the AAC (9-8 overall).

“I want to tell you all that I am truly embarrassed by our effort today,” Richardson said postgame. “I’m just embarrassed by our defensive effort. We had done such a great job the last few games with our defense. Today. we did not do well.”

Temple’s slate doesn’t get any easier Sunday, as Charlotte enters the Liacouras Center (1 p.m., ESPN+) on top of the AAC at 5-1 (12-6 overall). It’ll be interesting to see how the Owls respond in what serves as a statement game. With that in mind, here are some takeaways from that Memphis loss.

The return of Tiarra

Perhaps the biggest positive was the return of leading scorer Tiarra East. East missed the Tulsa and Wichita State games with a foot injury. Against Memphis, East came off the bench and played 21 minutes, and Richardson confirmed postgame that East was on a minutes restriction. The sooner she can return to 100%, the more complete the team will be.

Fix the turnover problem

The Owls have forced plenty of turnovers this season, but they also have committed their own fair share. Against Memphis, Temple forced 12 turnovers — but turned the ball over 22 times. Reducing turnovers and limiting fast breaks and chasing in transition is key to a return to winning ways.

Aleah on the come up

Despite Aleah Nelson leading the Owls with 12.6 points per game, it hasn’t been as impactful of a season as her first at Temple. Nelson is shooting 36.8% from the field and 30.1% from downtown. The problem for Nelson this season has been consistency.

While the philosophy has changed to more of an equal-opportunity offense in Year 2 under Richardson, Nelson finding more consistency in the attack could be a game-changer. Nelson, however, has scored at least 17 points in three of the last four games, which has helped fuel the Owls’ fast start in AAC action. If Nelson can sustain her pace, Temple could make things interesting.