By CHASE SENIOR
Philahoops Staff
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Who: Saint Joseph’s (4-2) at Temple (3-3)
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where: Liacouras Center – Philadelphia
TV / Radio: ESPN News / 1210 WPHT
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Big 5 hoops just has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it?
There might not be a better tradition in college basketball.
Five schools, all within close proximity, past players who have produced some highlights and a history that digs deep.
Opposing teams are under the realization that when they take on an institution from the City of Brotherly Love, it is usually going to be a dogfight, but when teams within the Big 5 clash, the juices are flowing and emotions are always running high.
“I think Big 5 games take on a special dynamic and this will be no different,” coach Fran Dunphy told Philahoops on Tuesday. “There will be a lot of St. Joe’s fans here as well. There will be a special feeling in the arena. This is a team that we’ve played so many years in a row for two games a season. Now obviously, we’re in different leagues, so it’s a little different-the presentation of this game, but no less important,” he added.
On Wednesday night at The Liacouras Center in North Philadelphia, Temple and Saint Joseph’s will be facing off for the 156th time-the most meetings between two Big 5 schools.
The Owls and Hawks both come in winners of two straight and both universities have well respected coaches roaming the sideline in Dunphy and Phil Martelli.
It is the first time in 67 years that Temple and Saint Joseph’s will be taking the floor against each other as members of different conferences.
“Growing up and just coming to these games and watching them on tv, watching St. Joe’s make their [Elite 8] run with Jameer Nelson and Delonte West, I enjoyed it and now being a part of it is something special,” senior guard Dalton Pepper said. “It’s hard to describe. Just going out in front of all these fans and Philly fans, it’s just great basketball.”
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A glance at the Hawks
After a disappointing 2012-13 season in which Saint Joseph’s did not live up to expectations, the Hawks are primed to make a run at the Atlantic 10 title.
There is no question the Hawks are the more experienced team. Martelli’s squad is led by a trio of seniors in 6-8, 225 lb., forward Ronald Roberts, who is very athletic, versatile 6-8, 255 lb. forward Halil Kanacevic and a do it all guard in Langston Galloway.
Ronald Roberts is a force down low. (Philahoops file)
“We just got to limit those guys and make sure that we contain them the whole game,” junior point guard, Will Cummings said. “Roberts and Kanacevic are a load inside, so we gotta make sure we keep them off the glass and help [Anthony] Lee out down low. Then we have to limit Galloway and his shot attempts and just make sure we play defense. That’s a big part about playing defense is making sure we cover for each other on the defensive end. When guys get behind, we got to step up for them and help out,” he added.
Roberts has been getting some looks from NBA scouts and through six games has looked good. You won’t find many forwards that are his size and as athletic. Roberts is averaging 18.5 points on 65 percent shooting and 7.3 rebounds per game. A Sports Center Top 10 dunk is never out of the question with Roberts on the floor.
“Roberts is a beast down there,” Dunphy said. “He’s really just unbelievable. How hard he plays and how difficult he is to defend as well, not only on the first thrust on his shot, but on somebody else’s too, where he’s trying to come and put back everything that’s missed,” he added.
With his superior athleticism, Roberts gets u p the floor well and can rise high.
“I think mainly we want to keep Roberts off the boards because he gets them going,” Pepper said. “If he gets a dunk here and there, they’ll be energized and they could get on a 10-0 run, so we have to keep him off the glass.”
Junior forward Anthony Lee, who is coming off one of his best collegiate games against UAB (16 points, 11 rebounds, two blocks, two steals) needs to stay out of foul trouble with Temple’s lack of depth in the front court. Roberts and Kanacevic give the Hawks the advantage down low.
“I think Anthony, we need to have him at the ready as many minutes as we can for tomorrow night and he’s going to have to be very careful of being in the right spot all the time,” Dunphy said when asked about Lee staying on the floor. “Most fouls are committed because we’re not anticipating enough and getting to the spot early enough and what we talk about is doing our work early,” he added.
Galloway on the other hand is the heartbeat for the Hawks. A high percentage of Saint Joseph’s offense runs through the fourth year guard. Galloway is skilled at handling the basketball and has a nice touch from the outside.
“Galloway has got his range all over the court and we can’t let him get hot,” Pepper said. “I noticed watching film, every game if he’s not hitting shots, he’s still attacking against us, because he comes out ready to go and I think he’s a real good player and key to their success.”
Rounding out Saint Joseph’s attack is junior guard Chris Wilson and freshman forward DeAndre Bembry.
“You can go down the line,” Dunphy told Philahoops. “Kanacevic is tough to guard. He’s a really good passer. Galloway is a really understanding guard. He knows the game so well. I think they’re getting everything they need out of Wilson and everything they need out of Bembry as well, so we got our hands full.”
Bembry and Wilson are averaging 9.8 and 8 points respectively.
A look at last years’ matchup
Last seasons matchup at Hagan Arena was a thriller and by no surprise, it came down to the last shot.
Khalif Wyatt scored 34 points and missed a game winning 3-point attempt as the Owls fell 70-69. Roberts scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
Saint Joseph’s is returning a bulk of their lineup, but according to Dunphy, the Hawks have changed a bit.
“I certainly saw last years tape, but they’re a little bit different because there’s no Tay Jones and no C.J. Aiken, but I think they’re playing at a pretty high level,” Dunphy said.
“It’s a big rivalry between us,” Temple’s sophomore guard Quenton DeCosey said. “Last year they got the best of us, so this year they come into our house and we just got to protect our home court. “
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Chase Senior can be reached on Twitter @Chase_Senior, via email at [email protected] or leave a comment below
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