The No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (9-0) try to stay unbeaten when they clash against the Temple Owls (6-2) at Liacouras Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, and will air on ESPN2.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 147 points with Villanova opening as an 8.5-point favorite.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Temple Owls Betting Prediction
The Wildcats come in on a high note after defeating the La Salle Explorers in their last game, 77-68. The Wildcats made 27 of their 35 free throws (77.1 percent) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 vs. 24.3). Villanova rallied around Donte DiVincenzo, who led the team in scoring with 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting.
In the Owls’ last matchup, they barely escaped the Saint Joseph’s Hawks, 81-78. Temple’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Saint Joseph’s. The Owls had a rate of 7.4 (better than their season average of 15.1), while the Hawks posted a mark of 15.7 (above their season average of 10.8). With 15 points and 11 rebounds, Temple’s Quinton Rose put together a good outing.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Temple ranks 276th in possessions per game (68.1) and Villanova is 328th (65.9) dating back to last season.
Villanova comes into the contest with records of 9-0 straight up (SU) and 7-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to set the total low when the Wildcats are involved, as five of their 9 games have gone over the projected point total.
Meanwhile, Temple is 6-2 SU and 5-3 ATS. Coinciding with Villanova, Owls games also have typically gone over the total (62.5 percent).
The Wildcats won the only game against the Owls last season, 78-57. The Wildcats knocked down 18 of their 20 free throws (90.0 percent) and had a much better turnover percentage (16.0 vs. 22.3).
Villanova Wildcats at Temple Owls ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Villanova ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while Temple ranks 203rd (37.4).
The Wildcats rank 16th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Owls rank 147th (3.9).
Temple averages 24.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 67th in the nation. Villanova ranks 153rd in three pointers allowed per game (22.4).
The Wildcats average 14.5 assists per game, which ranks 110th in the nation. The Owls rank 141st in assists allowed per game (13.6).
Villanova ranks 37th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Temple ranks 48th (5.3).
