The No. 19 Cincinnati Bearcats (9-2, 1-0 AAC) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they clash against the Temple Owls (7-6, 0-2 AAC) at Liacouras Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 137.5 points with Cincinnati opening as an 8-point favorite.
Cincinnati Bearcats at Temple Owls Free Prediction
The last time the Bearcats played, they blew out the Memphis Tigers, 82-48. The Bearcats had a great effective field goal percentage of 0.598 (above their season average of 0.534) and held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.2 (below their season average of 36.0). Gary Clark was a key piece for Cincinnati with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Owls lost a tough one against the Houston Cougars in their last game, 76-73. Houston’s rebounding was their largest strength. The Cougars had 14 offensive rebounds and 42 total rebounds, while the Owls had seven and 27, respectively. With 14 points and five rebounds, Temple’s Quinton Rose had a solid game.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. Temple commits the 21st-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while the gambling defense of Cincinnati forces the 17th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.2 percent). Moreover, the 28th-ranked offense of the Bearcats (offensive efficiency of 116.8) will attempt to exploit the 287th-ranked defense of the Owls (defensive efficiency of 108.4).
Cincinnati comes into the contest with records of 9-2 straight up (SU) and 6-5 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Bearcats have a tendency to finish under the O/U total (70.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Temple owns records of 7-6 SU and 6-7 ATS. Contrary to Cincinnati, Owls games tend to finish over the total (61.5 percent).
After the Bearcats won both games against the Owls last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, Cincinnati won 81-74. The Bearcats made 20 of their 24 free throws (83.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 20.0).
Cincinnati Bearcats at Temple Owls Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Cincinnati, ATS Winner – Cincinnati, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Cincinnati is 3-3 ATS on the road with 5 unders and 1 over.
Temple is 1-4 ATS at home with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Cincinnati ranks 18th in rebounds per game (41.1) while Temple ranks 240th (32.8).
The Bearcats rank 10th in assists per game (18.8) while the Owls rank 190th (12.5).
Cincinnati ranks 11th in blocks per game (6.3) while Temple ranks 107th (3.5).
The Bearcats rank 18th in steals per game (8.9) while the Owls rank 86th (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Cincinnati is 3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over.
Temple is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Bearcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 22.0, down from 22.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 68.8 points per game (3.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.4 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
