Rothstein Files: Five Observations From Temple-Towson

By Jon Rothstein
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1. TWO-HEADED FLOOR GENERAL

Temple coach Fran Dunphy has nearly split the point guard responsibilities for sophomore Will Cummings and veteran T.J. Dileo. In Wednesday night's 72-61 win over Towson, Cummings logged 24 minutes while Dileo tallied 21, and if not for a stretch at the end of the game in which they played together, their overall number of minutes played may have been identical. The Owls are transitioning at point guard after losing Juan Fernandez and while Cummings is the starter, it's clear the point guard position is an ongoing work in progress for Temple.

2. MR. RELIABLE

Rahlir Hollis-Jefferson has made himself into the Kurt Thomas of college basketball. Temple's senior power forward has been one of the better glue guys in the country over the past few years and he's added an impressive jumper from the elbow to his repertoire. The 6-6 Hollis-Jefferson does more than just score ---- he grabbed six rebounds and handed out six assists in addition to scoring a career-high 20 points in Temple's 72-61 win over Towson.

3. LEE A KEY

A year ago, Anthony Lee was merely an athlete who blocked shots and grabbed rebounds. Now? He's a legitimate offensive threat. The 6-9 red shirt sophomore scored in double figures for the fifth time in eight games this year for Temple, tallying 10 points in 17 minutes against Towson. If Lee can give the Owls this type of production once they start play in the Atlantic 10, the Owls will have an added bonus that they didn't possess last season.

4. BURGEONING BENIMON

Jerrelle Benimon transferred to Towson from Georgetown to be one of the building blocks for the Tigers program and he's already making major waves with his play. In the loss to Temple, Benimon scored 30 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. He'll have two high level years for Towson and should be a lock for All-CAA first team honors.

5. SLEEPING GIANT

Towson's Baltimore location makes the school a potential mid-major power. The Tigers will open a brand new on-campus arena next season and Pat Skerry has already made a serious mark in upgrading the talent in Towson'sprogram. With a renewed commitment to defense and toughness along with refurbished facilities and improving personnel, Skerry has the Tigers positioned to be a factor in the CAA.

BY THE NUMBERS:

30 and 18

The numbers of points and rebounds for Towson forward Jerrelle Benimon.

THEY SAID IT:

"He's plays the game as competitively as any player I've seen," Temple coach Fran Dunphy on Jerrelle Benimon.

Your thoughts on the game? Let us know in the comments...