Temple freshman Maurice "Mardy" Collins garnered his first Atlantic 10 Conference Rookie of the Week Award for the week ending March 1.
The 6-5 Philadelphia native averaged 14.0 points, 5.3 assists and 3.7 steals in three Temple wins this past week. Collins posted up 12 points six assists and three steals in the Owls' 99-77 win at Fordham on February 23. He then had 14 points, five assists and five steals in an 88-46 win over Massachusetts on February 26. Collins closed out the week with 16 points, five assists and three steals as the Owls hung on to defeat St. Bonaventure, 78-77, on March 1.
For the week, Collins shot 19-for-38 (50.0%) from the field and committed just three turnovers. He also dished out 16 assists in Temple's three victories.
Collins, who has started in every Temple game this season for Head Coach John Chaney, is now averaging 11.9 points per game. He is currently second on the team in steals with 52 while averaging 34.1 minutes per game.
The Owls who won six-of-seven games in February have now won five games in a row and are playing its best ball of the season. Prior to the Owls run, the defense was allowing 68.8 points per game. Since then, the defense is holding its opponents to an average of 58.9 points per game.
Up next for Temple is a Big Five and Atlantic 10 match-up with La Salle. The Owls hope to avenge a pair of losses to La Salle from last year, including a first-ever first round loss in Atlantic 10 Conference Championship play. The Owls and Explorers will meet at the Liacouras Center this Thursday evening at 7:00 pm.
