Don’t expect a high-scoring game when the South Florida Bulls (5-20) head to Temple to play the Owls (15-8). The game starts at 3:00 pm ET on Sunday, Feb. 14 and can be seen on CCS.
The Owls come into this game on a high note after defeating Connecticut 63-58 on Thursday. Quenton DeCosey was the game’s high scorer with 23 points on 7-for-15 shooting. The Bulls are coming off an ugly 92-58 loss at the hands of SMU on Sunday. Angel Nunez played well for South Florida, recording 12 points, nine rebounds, and two steals.
DeCosey has taken his game to another level recently for the Owls, averaging 20.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers over the last five games.
Half-court execution will be at a premium as Temple ranks 303rd in the nation in possessions per game (66.5 possessions per game), while South Florida is 306th (66.3).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Owls won the first game 70-63. DeCosey was a top performer in the victory with 30 points, seven rebounds, two assists, two steals, one block, and four three-pointers.
The Owls have gone 15-8 Straight Up (SU) and 13-9 Against The Spread (ATS). Temple has been struggling of late. In the last 10 games, Temple has only averaged 61.7 points per game compared to the 69.1 they’ve averaged on the season. Temple is one of the most disciplined teams in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.38. Crossing over to the defensive end of the court, the Owls prevent teams from making three-pointers, ranking 13th in the nation with 129 total three-pointers allowed (5.0 per game).
In the other locker room, the Bulls have records of 12-12 ATS and 5-20 SU. Most recently, South Florida is 7-3 ATS over the last 10 games. South Florida has been playing better lately, averaging 70.0 PPG, significantly more than their season average of 63.0. The last 10 games have really brought out the best of the Bulls on the defensive end. They’ve allowed 64.5 points per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 71.6. Blocking shots is an area where South Florida has excelled. The Bulls average 5.6 blocks per game, making them one of the best in the nation.
Temple won the last meeting this season between these two teams, bringing its SU record to 4-2 over South Florida in their most recent games. The teams are even ATS, with a 3-3 record. When it comes to field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers, Temple held the edge in all three of these categories one time in the last five meetings. South Florida never did so in those games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Temple, ATS Winner – Temple
Notes
South Florida scores an average of just 63.0 points per game (ranked 247th). Temple ranks 65th in points allowed, giving up 67.5 points per game.
South Florida scores just 61.0 points per away game (ranked 239th). Temple ranks 100th in points allowed at home, giving up 66.8 points.
The Temple Owls average 66.5 possessions and 1.039 points per possession in games this season. The South Florida Bulls average fewer possessions with 66.3, as well as fewer points per possession with .949.
South Florida has an average effective field goal percentage of 45.2%. Temple is a winning 7-4 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
The Temple Owls attempt 23.0 three pointers per game this season, while the South Florida Bulls attempt 14.0. When they register 20 or more three point attempts in a game, Temple has a record of 11-8 while South Florida is winless (0-4).
South Florida, the 17th-ranked team in blocked shots, registers an average of 5.6 per game. Temple ranks lower at 187th with 3.3.
The South Florida Bulls rank 59th in offensive rebounds. The Temple Owls rank 179th in the nation in defensive rebounds.
On average, South Florida forces a turnover rate of 13.5%. When Temple turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a stellar 10-3 record.
