Temple's Backup Big Man Leads Owls to Narrow Victory Over South Florida

Mohamed Keita scored four points in the final 38 seconds to lift Temple to a 79-78 win over USF.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:55pm

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Mohamed Keita, Temple's little-used backup center, scored four crucial points in the final 38 seconds to help the Owls defeat South Florida 79-78 in a close conference matchup. Keita, who had only 11 points on the season, hit two free throws and a game-winning putback to secure the victory for Temple, which moved to 14-8 overall and 6-3 in American Conference play.

Why it matters

This win keeps Temple in a three-way tie for third place in the American Conference standings, maintaining their position in the hunt for a postseason berth. Keita's heroics off the bench also highlight the importance of role players stepping up in key moments for a team's success.

The details

With Temple leading by four with 5:31 remaining, Keita entered the game after two Owls' big men fouled out. USF then took a 76-75 lead with 38 seconds left, but Keita calmly hit two free throws to put Temple back on top. After USF regained the lead, Keita tipped in the game-winning basket with 6.6 seconds left to secure the victory for the Owls.

  • With 5:31 remaining, Keita entered the game with Temple leading by four.
  • With 38 seconds left, Keita hit two free throws to put Temple up 77-76.
  • With 6.6 seconds left, Keita tipped in the game-winning basket for Temple.

The players

Mohamed Keita

Temple's little-used backup center who scored four crucial points in the final 38 seconds to lead the Owls to victory.

Aiden Tobiason

Temple's sophomore guard who scored a game-high 22 points, including 14 in the second half.

Derrian Ford

Temple's guard who finished with 18 points, four rebounds and three assists despite shooting 5-of-15 from the field.

Izaiyah Nelson

South Florida's forward who scored a team-high 18 points in the loss.

Adam Fisher

Temple's head coach who guided the Owls to the narrow victory over South Florida.

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What they’re saying

“We work on free throws every day after practice. Since the beginning of the season, we're missing free throws as bigs, So every day we work in practice, we coach that, every day. [Fisher] taught me to stay confident every time I shoot free throws. I was just confident and tried to stay in my own zone to shoot it.”

— Mohamed Keita (on3.com)

“That's something I worked on all summer, putting the ball on the floor. Because from last year, I'm still in the same conference, so coaches and probably players are going to think, 'OK, he's just a shooter,' so I've got to expand my game, and that's what I worked on.”

— Aiden Tobiason, Temple Guard (on3.com)

“I thought Swish Gilyard was fantastic, getting us extra possessions, making some key plays. And when you have that contribution from so many guys, it's huge.”

— Adam Fisher, Temple Head Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.