The No. 11 Wichita State Shockers (24-6, 14-4 AAC) take on the Temple Owls (17-14, 9-10 AAC) in the American Athletic Conference Tournament at Amway Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, March 9, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Temple Owls vs. Wichita State Shockers Free Prediction
The Owls will be hoping for a similar outcome after topping the Tulane Green Wave in their last game, 82-77. The Owls made 23 of their 29 free throws (79.3 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 8.2 (better than their season average of 14.0). Josh Brown had a good outing for Temple, putting up 15 points and six rebounds.
In the Shockers’ last game, they lost a close one to the No. 10 Cincinnati Bearcats, 62-61. Cincinnati’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Wichita State. The Bearcats had a rate of 7.2 (better than their season average of 14.9), while the Shockers posted a mark of 12.9. Wichita State’s Landry Shamet put together a good game, leading the team in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-11 shooting.
Wichita State could own the offensive glass in this showdown. The Shockers currently rank 16th in offensive rebounding percentage (35.3 percent), while Temple ranks 321st in defensive rebounding percentage (67.5 percent). The Owls should have an advantage in terms of ball security. They rank 29th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.9 percent), while the Shockers force the 61st-fewest turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.7 percent).
Shaquille Morris has averaged 20.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over the last five games for Wichita State.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Shockers won the most recent matchup 93-86. The Shockers knocked down 23 of their 29 free throws (79.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.0 vs. 16.7). Morris recorded a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds.
Temple Owls vs. Wichita State Shockers Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Temple, ATS Winner – Temple, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Wichita State averages 40.8 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the nation. Temple ranks 263rd in rebounds allowed per game (38.2).
The Shockers rank second in assists per game (18.8) while the Owls rank 196th (12.8).
Temple ranks 84th in steals per game (6.7) while Wichita State ranks 236th (4.7).
The Owls rank 97th in three pointers attempted per game (23.6) while the Shockers rank 236th in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Wichita State ranks 59th in blocks per game (4.1) while Temple ranks 83rd in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Owls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 4.2, up from 0.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 77.8 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
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