The Mustangs jumped around in a circle in celebration after the fourth set, while the Owls crouched over and stared at the ground before huddling together and shaking hands.
The Owls’ four-set loss to Southern Methodist on Wednesday eliminated them from winning an American Athletic Conference title.
Temple needs an at-large bid if it is to reach its first NCAA tournament since 2002. While a win against Southern Methodist on Oct. 9 helps the Owls’ resume, their postseason fate is in the hands of the selection committee.
Temple (21-8, 14-5 The American) was one point away from forcing a fifth set after a kill by senior outside hitter Tyler Davis.