Temple knocks off Auburn

CHARLESTON, S.C. » Obi Enechionyia felt Temple was itching to get going at the Charleston Classic. That been evident in its run to the tournament finals.

Enechionyia had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Owls into the tournament title game with an 88-74 victory over Auburn. Temple’s season-opening game was a win over Old Dominion here Thursday as they eased into a long starting stretch that doesn’t see them play a home game until Wisconsin on Dec. 6.

“I think it showed that we’re ready to play in both games,” Enechionyia said. “It wasn’t a big deal to us, but I think it kind of helped us.”

Temple (2-0) pulled away late from its SEC opponent to move back into its second Charleston finals. “It’s exciting,” Enechionyia said. “It’s like last year in the preseason NIT.”

That’s where Temple won the NIT Season Tip-Off event with an 81-77 victory over West Virginia in 2016. Temple coach Fran Dunphy hopes his team can channel those good experiences from last year this time around. “Three games in four days, that’s a lot of basketball,” he said. “We need some rest.”

Rose finished with 19 points off five 3-pointers. Alston had 18 points, 11 in the second half, for Temple. DREXEL 84, HOUSTON 80 » Tramaine Isabell scored 21 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, and Sammy Mojica hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 28 seconds to go as Drexel (2-1) edged Houston (11) in the relocated Paradise Jam.

Troy Harper made two free throws with seven seconds left to secure the win for the Dragons.

Rob Gray poured in a careerhigh 37 points for the Cougars.

Kurk Lee had 16 points, Mojica 16 and Harper 11, going 9 for 9 from the line, for Drexel.