“We don’t believe in moral victories,” Temple coach Kirby Johnson said. “But I’m still proud of the way we played. I thought the guys showed the desire.”
The Leopards led most of the game, taking a 50-48 lead into the half, and holding a 75-71 lead with 10 minutes to play.
But the Leopards, who were already without J.B. Conley due to an injury and Russ Permenter forced to sit out the game after an ejection in the last game, couldn’t hold the lead late as three players fouled out.
Allyn Cooks led the Leopards with 24 points and Jordan Brown added 16.
The Leopards will host Weatherford in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference opener at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.
“If we play Weatherford like we played tonight we should be okay,” Johnson added.
