On Thursday evening the Lady Crusaders opened up their season against long time rival Bryan College at home.

Temple opened the game with an 8-0 run and took an early 14-3 lead. Bryan fought back to take a one point lead into the half, with the score at 30-29. Bryan led by as much as 9 points in the second half, but the Lady Crusaders would not lie down. Using what jump started them early on, aggressive defense, the Lady Crusaders took a 50-49 lead with just under 5 minutes left in the contest. This new look Crusader team, which has only four returners, hit foul shots and played great team defense to hold Bryan scoreless to finish the game 56-49.

 

The Lady Crusaders were lead in scoring by transfer Anshel Cooper, who had 11 of her game high 17 points in the second half. James, Gonzalez and freshman Alexis McGhee all had 8 a piece. Other scorers included Charles with 6, Chappell with 4, Gardner with 3, and Riggs with 2. Bryan was lead by Anna Thomas who finished the game with 16pts.

 

This is a good start for the Lady Crusaders, as Bryan beat them in both contests last year. Next up, TTU travels to Milligan College at 7:00pm on Tuesday the 2^nd of November to start a 6 game road swing. Good luck Lady Crusaders!