The 16th-ranked Wichita State Shockers (15-1, 3-0 AAC) head to Liacouras Center to clash with the Temple Owls (9-6, 1-3 AAC). The Shockers are a 4-point favorite and look to prolong their nine-game winning streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 133 points and it can be seen on ESPNU at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Wichita State Shockers at Temple Owls ATS Odds
Neither team was able to cover in their last matchup. The Shockers (3.5-point favorites) beat the UConn Huskies, 89-86, while the Owls (9-point favorites) were defeated by the Tulane Green Wave, 65-51. The Wichita State game finished 43.5 points over the projected point total of 131.5, while the Temple game finished 20.5 points under the projected point total of 136.5.
Wichita State’s 0.467 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over UConn, who had a mark of 0.419. The Shockers’ mark was below their season average of 0.486, while the Huskies’ was below their season average of 0.482. Temple, on the other hand, held Tulane to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.2 (below their season average of 25.0). Nate Pierre-Louis played a key role for Temple with eight points and 11 rebounds. Wichita State, meanwhile, rallied around Erik Stevenson, who recorded 16 points and six rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Shockers won the most recent contest 80-74. Converting at the free throw line was one of Wichita State’s biggest strengths. They were 22-24 (91.7 percent), while the Owls were 19-26 (73.1 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Games involving the Shockers have a tendency to go over the total (66.7 percent). Wichita State heads into the contest with records of 15-1 straight up (SU) and 9-6 against the spread (ATS).
Unlike Wichita State, games involving the Owls have a tendency to finish under the total (73.3 percent). Further, Temple owns records of 9-6 SU and 7-8 ATS.
Temple might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they square off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Wichita State currently ranks 16th in defensive efficiency while the Owls rank 284th in offensive efficiency.
Wichita State Shockers at Temple Owls Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Wichita State, ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Wichita State ranks 66th in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Temple ranks 267th (27.5).
- The Shockers average 4.1 blocks per game, which ranks 59th in the nation. The Owls rank 139th in blocks allowed per game (4.2).
- Wichita State ranks 55th in steals per game (7.9) while Temple ranks 116th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
- The Shockers average 40.5 rebounds per game, which ranks 24th in the country. The Owls rank 219th in rebounds allowed per game (37.7).
- Wichita State ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Temple ranks 142nd (13.0).
- Temple is 2-5 ATS at home, while Wichita State is 2-2 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 5 of the Owls’ 7 home games, while 3 of the Shockers’ 4 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Wichita State and Temple are both 2-3 ATS.
- The Shockers have 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games, while the Owls have 4 unders and 1 over
- During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 79.6 points per game (2.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 68.4 points per game (4.5 above their season average).
- 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 5.1 points.
