The SMU Mustangs (12-4, 2-2 AAC) and their phenomenal offense welcome the Temple Owls (10-6, 2-3 AAC) and their superb defense. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 18, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
Temple Owls vs. SMU Mustangs Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Mustangs were beaten by the Houston Cougars, 71-62, while the Owls defeated the 16th-ranked Wichita State Shockers, 65-53.
The Owls knocked down 20 of their 27 free throws (74.1 percent) and held the Shockers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.325 (below their season average of 0.485). SMU, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 16.8). SMU was lifted by Kendric Davis, who finished with 19 points, six assists and five rebounds. Quinton Rose played well for Temple, recording 19 points.
The Owls won the lone game between these two teams last year, 82-74. Temple had a much better turnover percentage (5.8 vs. 13.0). SMU, meanwhile, had a better effective field goal percentage (0.486 vs. 0.473). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
This battle pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. SMU currently ranks seventh in offensive efficiency and Temple is 27th in defensive efficiency.
Temple Owls vs. SMU Mustangs ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Temple, ATS Winner – Temple, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- SMU ranks 49th in rebounds per game (39.1) while Temple ranks 223rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.6).
- The Owls rank 55th in steals per game (7.9) while the Mustangs rank 121st in steals allowed per game (6.6).
- SMU ranks 96th in blocks per game (3.4) while Temple ranks 133rd in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
- The Mustangs rank 104th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Owls rank 260th in three pointers allowed per game (27.1).
- Temple ranks 76th in assists per game (14.4) while SMU ranks 196th in assists allowed per game (14.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Owls have been outscored by an average of 5.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Temple has defeated opponents by an average of 5.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 77.0 points per game (0.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 72.2 points per game (4.0 above their season average).