Temple sophomore Marissa Mackins scores career-high against South Carolina

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marissa mackins temple
Credit: Alex Fischbein/Basketball Society

The Temple Owls had a tall order on Saturday afternoon when they were set to take on the sixth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. Sophomore Marissa Mackins and the Temple squad were ready for a fight though.

South Carolina’s big-time freshman duo of Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston were held to a combined total of 13 points on 5-21 from the field. On the other end, Marissa Mackins poured in 26 points with five threes.

Mackins, herself, resembled the fighting spirit that the team carried throughout the game. As the Gamecocks’ upperclassmen would push the lead and start to separate, Mackins would will her team to mount a comeback. Her five threes came at the most opportune times and had the home crowd rocking with hopes of a huge upset.

Marissa Mackins Temple
Credit: Alex Fischbein/Basketball Society

What stood out the most was her fearlessness to attack the paint which also opened up her three-point shot. She found her way to the rim whether it was running the pick and roll or weaving through the bigs herself. This didn’t turn into more trips to the line, however, as she only shot four free throws this game. Normally, that would deter someone from trying to drive the lane, but Mackins still hammered away.

This game further showcased her improved shooting from last season. In her freshman season, Mackins shot 32% from three and from the field and averaged 8.7 points per game. So far this year, her three-point percentage is up to 34%, field goal percentage is up to 37%, and she’s scoring 10.9 points per game.

Marissa Mackins and the Lady Owls are now 5-5 as they look to bounce back against Big 5 rival, Villanova, on Tuesday.

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