Yesterday I got to photograph the NCAA Basketball game between the Temple Owls and the SMU Mustangs. Many considered Temple a weak opponent for SMU (ranked 23rd going into the game) since they had lost to them earlier this year and Temple was ranked far beneath them. The Owls fought hard and relentlessly pressed the home court advantage to overcome the Mustangs. The energy was palpable in the arena when the scores came dangerously close during the game. Chants from students, rousing melodies from the band, and shouts of support from the fans created a platform of spirit for the men to walk on. Temple’s shooting got better and better, and SMU’s offense crumbled, missing free throw after free throw. Why, I can’t explain it, except that it was the will and passion of the home crowd that elevated the performance of their heroes on the court. The players gave it their all, and maybe the crowd gave them even more than they knew they had. Victory was within their grasp, and they took it!

Click the picture to see all the pictures I took at the game.