The No. 17 Houston Cougars (15-0, 2-0 AAC) look to remain unbeaten when they go head-to-head against the Temple Owls (11-3, 1-1 AAC) at Liacouras Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, and will air on ESPNews.
Houston Cougars vs. Temple Owls Betting Prediction
The Cougars will be hoping for similar success after dismantling the Alabama A&M Bulldogs in their last game, 101-54. The Cougars had a much better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.056) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 12.1). With 24 points on 9-for-13 shooting, Armoni Brooks was the top scorer from either team.
In the Owls’ previous game, they were victorious over the La Salle Explorers, 75-67. The Owls had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.5 vs. 12.5) and had a much better free throw rate (0.456 vs. 0.242). With 14 points and 13 rebounds, Nate Pierre-Louis played well for Temple.
After the Cougars won both meetings against the Owls last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the last matchup, Houston won 80-59. The Cougars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (50.0 vs. 12.2) and had a better free throw rate (0.188 vs. 0.131).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Corey Davis Jr. (0 points) has been stellar for the Cougars while Pierre-Louis (0 points) has made solid contributions to the Owls.
Temple might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. Houston ranks fifth in defensive efficiency, while the Owls rank 166th in offensive efficiency. Moreover, the Cougars, who rank 36th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.8 percent), will battle against the Owls, who rank 60th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.1 percent).
Houston at Temple ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Temple, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Houston ranks eighth in rebounds per game (42.9) while Temple ranks 209th (34.4).
The Owls rank 50th in three pointers allowed per game (20.1) while the Cougars rank 189th (24.5).
Houston ranks 35th in blocks per game (4.7) while Temple ranks 139th (2.6).
The Owls rank 10th in steals per game (9.6) while the Cougars rank 66th (7.4).
Houston ranks 25th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while Temple ranks 72nd (11.9).
Bettings Trends:
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 20.8, up from 16.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.0 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
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