Offense meets defense when the Houston Cougars (11-3, 1-0 AAC) travel to Temple to take on the Owls (9-4, 1-1 AAC). The game can be seen on CBS Sports Network at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
Houston Cougars vs. Temple Owls ATS Prediction
The last time the Cougars played, they beat the UCF Knights, 78-63. The Cougars knocked down 30 of their 38 free throws (78.9 percent) and held the Knights to an effective field goal percentage of 0.392 (below their season average of 0.484). Houston was led by Nate Hinton, who was the game’s leading scorer with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
The Owls got blown out by the Tulsa Golden Hurricane in their last outing, 70-44. Tulsa’s 0.151 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Temple, who had a rate of 0.046. The Golden Hurricane’s mark was below their season average of 0.245, while the Owls’ was below their season average of 0.213. Temple’s Quinton Rose had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 12 points on 5-for-16 shooting.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, Temple should have a noteworthy advantage. The Owls defense ranks 35th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.444), while the Houston offense is ranked 181st in effective field goal percentage (0.501). Also, the Cougars are among the country’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking second in offensive rebounding percentage (40.2 percent). The Owls, however, rank 45th in defensive rebounding percentage (75.9 percent).
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cougars won the most recent game 73-66. One of Houston’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Temple had just 14.
Houston Cougars at Temple Owls Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Houston averages 43.0 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the NCAA. Temple ranks 193rd in rebounds allowed per game (36.8).
The Owls rank 38th in steals per game (8.5) while the Cougars rank 197th (4.9).
Houston ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.5) while Temple ranks 140th (2.8).
The Cougars rank 162nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.6) while the Owls rank 263rd (28.0).
Temple averages 14.9 assists per game, which ranks 62nd in the NCAA. Houston ranks 104th in assists allowed per game (12.1).
The Cougars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, up from 11.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (4.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 66.6 points per game (4.1 above their season average).
