For Owls, winning isn't everything

Why play Duke?

As the nation's 24th-ranked program, Temple doesn't need this game to garner national exposure.

The three-time defending Atlantic Ten champion already has wins over two teams - Georgetown (5) and Georgia (37) - currently in the RPI Top 50.

Even though they were losses, the Owls still get credit for facing three other current Top 50 programs - Xavier (23), Texas A&M (26), and Villanova (28).

Why play Duke?

 "It should be a bloodbath," diehard Temple hoops fan Matthew Mirro tweeted about Wednesday's game against the top-ranked Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Like some others, he believes the game is meaningless. And that Temple, which will play without two injured starters, will get exposed.

Without center Micheal Eric (right kneecap fracture) and swingman Scootie Randall (injured right foot) the Owls don't have a chance of snapping Duke's home winning streaks: 34 games overall, and 85 nonconference games.

In fact, the game could turn into rout if Temple point guard Juan Fernandez and power forward Lavoy Allen don't produce. "Who has more to lose Wednesday? The answer is obvious," Mirro tweeted.

So, why play Duke?

 Because this appears to be the best test for a team looking to make a splash in the NCAAs.

It will be a barometer that shows where they are and what they need to do to make noise in the NCAA tournament.

That's why Temple is playing Duke.