Rothstein Files: 5 Observations From Temple-Canisius
By Jon Rothstein
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1. MAAC FAVORITE
That's what Jim Baron's team looked like after they beat Temple 72-62 on Wednesday night in Philadelphia. Canisius is deep, talented, and has two veteran guards in Billy Baron and Harold Washington. There is something to be genuinely excited about in Western New York.
2. DEEP RANGE
Canisius' greatest strength may be their ability to shoot with accuracy from three-point range. The Golden Griffins made 10-of-21 from deep in the win over Temple, including seven in the second half. An unsung presence for Canisius is Isaac Sosa. The transfer from Central Florida puts pressure on the defense as soon as he walks into the gym, and had 13 points and three made three-pointers against the Owls.
3. MAN OF THE GLASS
Chris Manhertz looks like a middle linebacker and plays like an enforcer. Canisius' 6-6 power forward is built like a mack truck and swallows everything that comes off the backboard. In 32 minutes against Temple, Manhertz finished with five points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks.
4. FEAST OR FAMINE
Temple's season looks like it's going to depend on how Khalif Wyatt and Scootie Randall play offensively --- and right now that's a real concern. Against Canisius, the Owls' two top back court threats shot 9-of-32 from the field and 1-of-18 from three-point range. Wyatt and Randall will have to be considerably more efficient if Temple is to have any chance against Syracuse on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.
5. A NEW START
Billy Baron transferred to Canisius to finish his college career playing for his father Jim, and it looks like the partnership is destined for a special season. The Golden Griffins are off to an 8-2 start and the younger Baron was flawless against Temple. In 32 minutes of action, Billy Baron scored 19 points, dished out five assists, grabbed four rebounds, and only committed one turnover.
BY THE NUMBERS:
4-28
What Temple shot from three-point range in Wednesday night's loss to Canisius.
THEY SAID IT:
"He was phenomenal down the stretch. He controlled the game and made two daggers from deep," - Temple coach Fran Dunphy on Canisius point guard Billy Baron.
Canisius -- team to beat in the MAAC? Be heard in the comments...
