PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — A surging Temple team looks to continue its winning ways while East Carolina seeks a crucial conference road win when the American Athletic Conference foes meet Wednesday night at the Liacouras Center. The Owls (10-5) have won five straight, most recently a 76-57 victory over UTSA on Jan. 3, and open their league schedule with confidence. Temple’s success has been fueled by guard Jordan Mason, who is coming off a 15-point, 12-assist performance. Over the last six games, Mason has averaged 14.7 points and 7.2 assists, orchestrating an efficient offense. East Carolina (5-9) aims to halt a two-game skid, including a 79-70 loss to Tulane on Dec. 31 to open AAC play. The Pirates have struggled away from home, going 1-4 in true road games. Their fortunes rest heavily on the scoring of guard Jordan Riley, who is averaging 22.6 points over his last five contests. Riley poured in 31 points in a win over Buffalo on Dec. 14 and 24 in a victory over Presbyterian on Dec. 17, but the Pirates have allowed 79 or more points in three of their last five outings. Temple holds a distinct advantage in recent form and defense. During their win streak, the Owls have held opponents to an average of 63.4 points. Forward Gavin Griffiths adds a major defensive presence, blocking seven shots against UTSA. For East Carolina, support for Riley will be key. Giovanni Emejuru, who had 12 points and nine rebounds against Tulane, and Tybo Bailey will need to provide consistent secondary scoring to challenge Temple’s balance. The game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Temple visits Memphis on Jan. 14, while East Carolina hosts UAB on Jan. 11.