Temple Loses to Charlotte in Overtime Thriller

Owls squander second-half lead in 80-76 defeat

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:23pm

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Temple University's men's basketball team lost a heartbreaker to the Charlotte 49ers, 80-76 in overtime, after blowing a nine-point lead late in regulation. The Owls managed just two field goals in the final six minutes of the game, allowing Charlotte to force overtime and ultimately prevail.

Why it matters

This loss is a tough blow for Temple, who was looking to bounce back after a difficult start to the season. The Owls' inability to close out the game raises questions about their mental toughness and ability to finish close contests.

The details

Temple had built a nine-point lead in the second half, but struggled mightily down the stretch, scoring just two field goals in the final six minutes of regulation. This allowed Charlotte to force overtime, where the 49ers were able to pull away for the victory.

  • The game was played on January 29, 2026.

The players

Temple University

The men's basketball team of Temple University, a Division I program that competes in the American Athletic Conference.

Charlotte 49ers

The men's basketball team of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Division I program that competes in Conference USA.

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The takeaway

This loss is a tough lesson for Temple, who will need to learn how to close out close games if they want to be successful this season. The Owls' inability to protect a late lead raises concerns about their mental toughness and composure under pressure.