This may be the last time we see SJU installed as such a favorite until Atlantic 10 Conference play tips in January. Temple flat out can’t shoot (38.1 percent, 336th), so the Owls are likely to find themselves in deep water against a red-hot SJU offense.
Bart Torvik rates them as the nation’s 45th-best offense, KenPom ranks their defense 36th. After slogging through a disappointing 35-76 start to his tenure on Hawk Hill, his Hawks are 8-3 in their last 11 dating back to last season and have the look of an NCAA Tournament team. Speaking of Lange, it appears he’s finally turned the corner. Erik Reynolds II is a flamethrower from deep (44.3 percent) and Lynn Greer III continues to improve in his second year running the point for Billy Lange. Joe’s backcourt is why they’re ascending this season.
