We’re short on details, since we’re up to our ears in Big East Madness at MSG, but earlier tonight Your Temple Owls defeated Xavier, 55-53, down the shore in AC to advance to the A-10 final. And because Duquesne beat Dayton, the Owls (21-11) will play the Dukes (21-11) in the title game tomorrow night at 6, with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. We simply cannot tell you how weird it was to type that, all things considered. We will have more tomorrow, after we’ve had a chance to digest everything. For now, check out this report from Temple’s official site. And enjoy what’s left of your Friday night.

UPDATE: Dionte Christmas got it done, according to Jeff McLane’s story in The Inquirer. He knocked down a couple of 3s late — breaking out of the 8-for-36 slump he had been in over the last 2-plus games — to will the Owls to the brink of a repeat A-10 title. But Temple also had nine steals, and the Good Lavoy Allen showed up (despite the lingering ankle pain) to grab 11 rebounds. Christmas, it should be noted, now has the school record for 3s in a season and is closing in on 2,000 for his remarkable career.

Link: Temple 55, Xavier 53 [Temple University]
Christmas in AC [The Inquirer]