Philadelphia Big 5 | News | Temple downs La Salle to earn share of Big 5 title

NEWS

Shenita Landry led Temple to a share of the Big 5 title with a double-double against La Salle.

TEMPLE CLAIMS SHARE OF BIG 5 CROWN WITH WIN

Jan. 21, 2009

Temple women's basketball claimed a share of the 2009 Big 5 title with a 62-55 win over La Salle on Wednesday evening at the Liacouras Center.

The Owls improved to 11-7 overall , 3-1 in the Atlantic 10, and 3-1 in Big 5 play, while the Explorers fell to 9-10 overall, 0-4 in the A-10, and 2-1 in Big 5 play.

The Big 5 title is the Owls' sixth consecutive and sixth in the last eight years. Having won five consecutive titles outright, Temple will share the 2009 title with the winner of the St. Joseph's-La Salle game (Feb. 11).

"We ended up pulling it out today," said TU senior Shenita Landry. "It was a good win. Every win helps."

The teams traded baskets over the opening minutes of the contest. Down by three, 14-11, Temple went on a 16-1 run over a five-minute span to go ahead by 12 points, 27-15. Sophomore Shaqwedia Wallace chipped in two treys, while freshman Kristen McCarthy added the three. The Owls closed out the stanza with an eight-point edge, 29-21.

"We were really excited about this game," TU head coach Tonya Cardoza said. "Sometimes when the adrenaline is pumping, you get a little too fast. One thing we need to realize is that it won't happen in the first five minutes. We needed to take out time and be composed."

In the second half, La Salle closed the gap to two points twice, but Temple utilized an 8-0 run to rebuild its lead to 10 points, 54-44 with 7:54 to go. The Owls held on for the win.

Landry led all players with her ninth career double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Wallace finished with 14 points, including a career-best four three-point buckets. Junior LaKeisha Eaddy added 13 points and eight assists.

"She's the heart and soul of our team," Cardoza said of Landry. "I told all of our players I wished they worked as hard as she does."

Jamie Walsh was La Salle's top scorer with 13 points. Ashley Gale added 12 points.

Overall, Temple out-rebounded La Salle, 40-22. Both teams shot 44 percent from the field.



							Sponsorship & Partners >>

	NEWS Shenita Landry led Temple to a share of the Big 5 title with a double-double against La Salle. TEMPLE CLAIMS SHARE OF BIG 5 CROWN WITH WIN Jan. 21, 2009 Temple women's basketball claimed a share of the 2009 Big 5 title with a 62-55 win over La Salle on Wednesday evening at the Liacouras Center. The Owls improved to 11-7 overall , 3-1 in the Atlantic 10, and 3-1 in Big 5 play, while the Explorers fell to 9-10 overall, 0-4 in the A-10, and 2-1 in Big 5 play. The Big 5 title is the Owls' sixth consecutive and sixth in the last eight years. Having won five consecutive titles outright, Temple will share the 2009 title with the winner of the St. Joseph's-La Salle game (Feb. 11). "We ended up pulling it out today," said TU senior Shenita Landry. "It was a good win. Every win helps." The teams traded baskets over the opening minutes of the contest. Down by three, 14-11, Temple went on a 16-1 run over a five-minute span to go ahead by 12 points, 27-15. Sophomore Shaqwedia Wallace chipped in two treys, while freshman Kristen McCarthy added the three. The Owls closed out the stanza with an eight-point edge, 29-21. "We were really excited about this game," TU head coach Tonya Cardoza said. "Sometimes when the adrenaline is pumping, you get a little too fast. One thing we need to realize is that it won't happen in the first five minutes. We needed to take out time and be composed." In the second half, La Salle closed the gap to two points twice, but Temple utilized an 8-0 run to rebuild its lead to 10 points, 54-44 with 7:54 to go. The Owls held on for the win. Landry led all players with her ninth career double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Wallace finished with 14 points, including a career-best four three-point buckets. Junior LaKeisha Eaddy added 13 points and eight assists. "She's the heart and soul of our team," Cardoza said of Landry. "I told all of our players I wished they worked as hard as she does." Jamie Walsh was La Salle's top scorer with 13 points. Ashley Gale added 12 points. Overall, Temple out-rebounded La Salle, 40-22. Both teams shot 44 percent from the field.
	© 2009 Philadelphia Big 5 • (215) 898-4747 • 235 South 33rd Street • Philadelphia, PA 19104 • big5@philadelphiabig5.org