First, it was Goongate.

Now, Yawngate?

Thanks to senior forward Pat Calathes’ last-second three-pointer and a game-saving, yet controversial, block by junior center Ahmad Nivins, St. Joseph’s squeaked out a 68-67 victory over Temple Saturday night in front of 10,045 at the Liacouras Center – the largest crowd at the North Broad Street arena since the two teams met in 2004.

After Calathes hit a three to give St. Joe’s (12-5, 4-1 in the Atlantic Ten Conference) a one-point advantage, the Owls (9-9, 2-2) elected not to use a timeout, instead, pushing the ball to senior guard Mark Tyndale, whose potential game-winning lay-up was blocked by Nivins at the buzzer. Nivins appeared to get a hand on the ball once it was on the glass, but no goaltending call was made by the officials, who ran off the court after the clock hit zero.

Tyndale, who scored 18 points but missed the front end of a one-and-one that eventually led to Calathes’ game-winner, was among several Temple players who gathered around a TV in the locker room to watch the final seconds of the game, which was broadcast on ESPNU.

In front of Temple Athletic Director Bill Bradshaw and several reporters, senior guard Chris Clark fast-forwarded to the end of the broadcast, which showed footage of St. Joseph’s coach Phil Martelli sarcastically yawning at Temple’s student section as he made his exit through the tunnel. Footage also showed Martelli being pelted with debris which appeared to come from the student section.

Outside of these post-game shenanigans, the Owls received a solid performance from junior guard Semaj Inge, who scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half while starting in place of injured sophomore guard Luis Guzman.

The Owls will hit the road to play Fordham Thursday at 8 p.m.

Check out Broad & Cecil tomorrow for photos, audio and video from Saturday night’s game.