[zoo youk]

injured his hip last game and is questionable. if he doesn't start I dont see how Temple wins this game. he's their floor general, runs the entire offense. If he doesn't play thats a huge deal...especially laying 5.5 to Xavier. Temple isn't very deep they rely on Ramon Moore, Fernandez and Wyatt for explosive scoring...they need those guys to score in the 20s every night to win. which they have been doing but against incredibly soft schedule the last 10 games or so.

leaning heavy towards X men.

[zoo youk]

from the Philly Inquirer

The hurdles keep coming. Despite a few stumbles, Temple has cleared the obstacles in its path.

The Owls have been able to beat a ranked opponent, prevail in hostile road environments, overturn local rivals, and provide late-game heroics.

The journey has taken Temple to the top of the Atlantic Ten standings.

The next challenge comes Saturday night at the Liacouras Center. And it could be a steep one.

Defeating Xavier (16-8, 7-3 A-10) could be the biggest conference win of the season for Temple (18-5, 7-2). That's because the Musketeers are a half-game behind the Owls in the standings. A victory would go a long way for both teams in their bids to win the conference's regular-season title.

And with that title comes the No. 1 seed in next month's conference tournament in Atlantic City.

"It going to be a great atmosphere," Temple guard Ramone Moore said of the 'whiteout' game. "The crowd is going to be into it. It's a [ESPN2] national TV game.

"But we got to come out prepared. If we come out like we did [in Wednesday's come-from-behind victory over George Washington] it will be a different outcome."

And he's right.

Xavier looks different from the team that lost five of six games after a bench-clearing brawl with Cincinnati on Dec. 10.

Having won three straight A-10 games, the Musketeers resemble the squad that was the preseason pick to win the conference title.

In point guard Tu Holloway, Xavier has the reigning A-10 player of the year. The 6-foot senior is the conference's third-leading scorer (16.3 points per game), behind Moore (18.3) and Owls guard Khalif Wyatt (16.6).

Holloway is also ranked third in assists (5.8 per game) and seventh in steals (1.7 per game).

"He can do it all," Moore said of Holloway. "He can take you off the dribble. He can back up off of you and make the open shot.

"He's just a tough guy to guard."

The Owls can only hope that point guard Juan Fernandez is able to play. The senior left Wednesday's game with a left hip pointer. He was listed as day-to-day. Temple has won two of the last three meetings with Xavier.

Note: The Owls will distribute "I Believe" T-shirts and rally towels on a first-come, first-served basis.



Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/...#ixzz1m680aiOK
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

[zoo youk]

What Is A Hip Pointer Injury?

A hip pointer injury is an extremely painful, acute injury to the iliac crest of the pelvis. The injury causes bleeding into the abdominal muscles, which attach to the iliac crest. The bone and overlying muscle are often bruised, and the pain can be intense. Pain may be felt when walking, laughing, coughing, or even breathing deeply.
What Causes A Hip Pointer Injury?

Hip pointers are the result of a direct blow to the iliac crest, whether from a direct hit from a helmet, or a hard fall. Hip pointers are common in contact sports such as football and soccer.
What Is The Treatment For A Hip Pointer Injury?

Most hip pointers will heal with conservative treatment. If you suspect a serous injury, you should see a physician to have a full physical exam. While uncommon, a severe blow to the hip may result in a bone fracture.
For immediate pain relief, follow the R.I.C.E. treatment plan. Rest from any aggravating activities for the first 1 to 2 weeks is necessary for a hip pointer to heal properly. Ice and anti-inflammatory medication can be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation for the first 7 to 10 days after the injury.

If a hip pointer doesn't begin healing with conservative treatment, your physician may refer you to physical therapy for additional treatments and rehab exercises.

It's important that the athlete not return to quickly to activity. Athletes who play sports or start exercising with continued pain and tenderness often compensate by altering their gait and technique. The result if this may be another injury to different body part.

[iceaxe56]

temple is ready for this one--house will be on fire --i see a 9 point win even without juan

[zoo youk]

temple is ready for this one--house will be on fire --i see a 9 point win even without juan

how? this is literally like taking Steve Nash out of the suns line up.

[zoo youk]

not comparing him to Steve Nash...I just mean the importance of his position and the offense that is run through him.