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Temple drops A-10 bottom-dwelling Fordham

Feb 10, 2011 - 4:26 AM Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - Ramone Moore had 22 points to lead No. 24 Temple past Fordham, 77-66, in an Atlantic 10 battle.

Scootie Randall added 12 points and nine boards while Micheal Eric had 12 and seven for the Owls (18-5, 8-2 A-10), who have won their past five games.

"It's a long season, we've played 23 games and we got a little complacent in the second half," said Temple head coach Fran Dunphy. "It's a message we can't send if we want to compete in this conference."

Chris Gaston posted a game-high 27 points along with nine rebounds for the Rams (6-16, 0-10), who are in the midst of a 12-game losing streak. Branden Frazier added 12 points in the loss.

Temple held an 18-point lead going into halftime, but the Rams were able to pull within three points as a three-pointer from Randall made it a 53-50 contest with 13:17 to go. Fordham was able to close the gap thanks to Temple missing 18 of its first 20 shots to start the second half.

The Owls, though, were able to find their touch and scored the next six points with Rahir Jefferson's dunk making it a 59-50 game with 8 1/2 minutes to play.

A three-ball from Alberto Estwick got Fordham to within five, 62-57, with 5 1/2 minutes to play.

However, Randall countered with a three-ball and Jefferson added a free throw and a three-pointer for a 69-57 lead with under four minutes to play and Temple cruised from there.

The game was tight for much of the first half, but Temple got a 16-0 run to take control of the game and held a 47-29 lead after 20 minutes.

Game Notes

The Owls lead the series with the Rams, 37-13...Temple plays at Dayton on Saturday...Fordham hosts Saint Joseph's on Sunday...Jefferson finished the game with 10 points and seven rebounds while Lavoy Allen had seven points and 14 rebounds for Temple.