PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (Ticker) -- Brian Polk again helped Temple continue its mastery of Rhode Island.

Polk scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, as Temple defeated Rhode Island for the third time this season, posting a 61-53 win over its Atlantic 10 Conference rival in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament.

The Owls (18-15) will host Minnesota at the Liacouras Center in Thursday's quarterfinals.

Temple registered a 69-64 home victory over Rhode Island on February 19, when Polk led the way with 15 points. The Owls also beat the Rams on the road, 71-68, on January 22.

Polk scored five of his 14 first-half points during Temple's 10-0 run to close the period. He nailed a 3-pointer with 3:43 to go and pulled the Owls within 29-25. Alex Wesby also hit from the arc and then Polk slammed home a dunk with 51 seconds left, giving Temple a 30-29 halftime edge.

The Owls outscored the Rams, 17-7, in the first 12 minutes of the second. Antywane Robinson's dunk with 8:05 to play opened a 47-36 cushion for Temple.

Dustin Hellenga paced the Rams (19-12) with 15 points, but Rhode Island dropped its 19th in 23 home meetings with Temple.

Temple has won eight straight games against Rhode Island and lead the all-time series, 45-11.