Jefferson is a plus in starting lineup

Rahlir Jefferson appears to be fitting in nicely in Temple's starting lineup.

Since starting the last three games in place of injured center Micheal Eric (season-ending fracture to right kneecap), the 6-foot-6 forward is averaging 8.6 points and 6 rebounds for the 24th-ranked Owls.

Jefferson, a sophomore, scored 11 points in each of Temple's last two games. He also finished with a career-high six assists in Wednesday's setback to top-ranked Duke.

For the season, the Chester High product is averaging 5.9 points and 5.1 rebounds, while leading the team in field-goal percentage (58.5 percent).

Jefferson will look to add to his impressive start in Saturday's Atlantic Ten contest with George Washington at the Smith Center in Washington.

The Owls (21-6, 11-2) hope to post their fourth consecutive series victory over the Colonials (15-12, 8-5).

Saturday marks George Washington's homecoming game.

Junior swingman Scootie Randall is still listed as day-to-day. He has missed the last two games after suffering a foot injury against Richmond on Feb. 17. The Communications Tech product is the team's second-leading scorer at 11.6 points per game.

After facing top-ranked Duke, Temple has now played five teams currently ranked nationally by the Associated Press. The other ranked opponents are No. 11 Georgetown, No. 15 Villanova, No. 21 Texas A&M, and No. 24 Xavier.

The Owls made five three-pointers against the Blue Devils, marking their 493d consecutive game with a least one trey. The last time Temple didn't make a three-pointer came in a 59-35 setback to Massachusetts on Feb. 1, 1996. The Owls missed all 16 of their three-point attempts that day.

Temple heads into Saturday's game with the A-10's top scoring defense, holding opponents to 61.7 points per game. The Owls also ranked third in the conference in field-goal percentage defense (40.6 percent).

The Owls will induct their 1968-69 NIT championship team into the Temple Athletics Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the Fox-Gittis room of the Liacouras Center before Temple's game with La Salle on March 5. The team will be honored at halftime of the game.