In a preseason poll released by The Sporting News, Temple ranks No. 22 in the nation. Connecticut, a team that defeated the Owls 90-36 in the second round of last season’s NCAA Tournament, is No. 1.

Joe Perez, who wrote the preview, had this to say about the Owls:

“Flying under the radar in the Atlantic 10 are the Owls, who lost five games a year ago to teams that finished the season ranked in the top 10. Now battle-tested, Temple brings back three starters from a unit that played hard-nosed defense and caused headaches for bigger names in the sport.

Still, Temple will need to produce more offense if it wants to go beyond the second round of the NCAA Tournament. All-Atlantic 10 performer Kristen McCarthy is back, but she can’t be expected to do all of the heavy lifting. Qwedia Wallace went from full-time reserve to part-time starter last year and posted nearly identical numbers. Junior BJ Williams and sophomore Natasha Thames will assume bigger roles this season.”

The Owls open their season at home on Nov. 12 against No. 7 Ohio State.