The SMU Mustangs got 23 points from Keena Mays and a 10-point, nine-rebound effort from Akil Simpson against the Temple Owls on Tuesday. However, despite shooting a season high 50 percent, SMU lost 80-66 in Philadelphia.

The Mustangs (11-5) were able to open the game with a 13-4 lead over Temple, but the Owls (8-7) were able to utilize a strong second half to upend SMU.

The two teams played a perfectly even first half, as they entered halftime tied at 36. While shooting a sizzling 60 percent from the field in the first half, the Mustangs surrendered 33 shots compared to the 25 that they took. Because of this, Temple matched SMU’s first-half shot total of 15.

The second half saw both teams shoot a lower percentage from the field. Temple out-rebounded the Mustangs 40-30 and made 15 free throws in the second half to SMU’s seven, allowing the Lady Owls to outscore SMU 44-30 in the second half.

Temple’s out-rebounding of SMU also allowed the Owls to outscore the Mustangs 12-4 in second chance points.

It was more than a one-person effort for Temple, as they got double-digit scoring from four women. Natasha Thames, who scored six points, collected a game-high 12 rebounds and five steals.

Another deciding factor in the game was turnovers. The Mustangs committed an unsightly 18 of them compared to Temple’s 11. In addition, SMU was only able to muster seven points off of Temple’s turnovers while the Owls more than tripled the Mustang’s effort with 22.

Following consecutive losses on the road, The Lady Mustangs will return home to Moody Coliseum. Waiting for them is the daunting task of defeating the No. 5 ranked Louisville Cardinals who are undefeated in conference play. That matchup will take place Sunday at 12:30 p.m.