On the same day Temple learned it had moved up to No. 18/19 in the national polls, the Owls took another step toward winning the Mid-American Conference title with last night’s 63-39 drubbing of Bowling Green at McGonigle Hall. Wait. What? Oh, right: Temple plays in the Atlantic 10 in basketball, but it’s obligated to play five MAC schools in hoops because its football team — which is about to kick off against UCLA in its first bowl game in 30 years — now competes in that league.

Anyway, the Owls wore retro jerseys for Turn Back the Clock Night up the street at McGonigle, and their defense looked a lot like the John Chaney-coached teams of yore. Bowling Green (5-5) scored just 13 first-half points and was limited to 27.8 percent shooting (15-for-54) for the game. Temple got 19 points from Ryan Brooks, 17 from Ramone Moore and 11 from Juan Fernandez, while Lavoy Allen hauled in 13 rebounds to go with his four blocks. Just another night at the office.

How well are the Owls defending? Consider: Siena and Western Michigan are the only to teams to score more than 65 points against them — and they’ve also played Georgetown, Villanova, St. John’s and Seton Hall. The Owls have held eight of their 12 opponents to 56 points or fewer. And teams are shooting just 36.5 percent against them. The NCAA last compiled statistical rankings through Dec. 20, and at that time the Owls were allowing 55.1 points per game, which ranked third nationally. Throw in last night’s 39er by Bowling Green, and it’s certainly possible the Owls could find themselves moving up in that category, too.

At 10-2, Temple can clinch an undefeated run through the MAC by beating Northern Illinois on the road tomorrow night.