The Temple Owls (10-9, 2-5 AAC) travel to UConn to play the Huskies (10-9, 1-5 AAC) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game will air on ESPNews at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Temple Owls at UConn Huskies Free Prediction
The Owls are trying to rebound after their 66-59 loss to the Penn Quakers in their last game. Penn’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Temple. The Quakers had a rate of 0.510 (below their season average of 0.532), while the Owls posted a mark of 0.313 (below their season average of 0.471). Quinton Rose was the top scorer from either team with 21 points on 10-for-25 shooting.
In the Huskies’ previous game, they lost to the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 79-75. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Tulsa’s largest strengths. They made 32 trips to the line, while UConn went just 15 times. UConn’s Akok Akok recorded 13 points, seven rebounds and seven blocks in the game.
After the Owls won both meetings against the Huskies last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent contest, Temple won 78-71. The Owls had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 vs. 25.0) and had a better free throw rate (0.309 vs. 0.236).
Baskets could be hard to come by as a pair of the country’s premier defenses face off. UConn currently ranks 47th in defensive efficiency (92.6) and Temple is 39th (92.2).
Temple vs. UConn Pick
Free Prediction: ATS Winner – UConn, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
UConn ranks 15th in three pointers allowed per game (17.2) while Temple ranks 263rd (26.2).
The Huskies rank 70th in rebounds per game (38.3) while the Owls rank 236th in rebounds allowed per game (38.2).
UConn averages 6.8 blocks per game, which ranks second in the country. Temple ranks 157th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
The Owls average 8.2 steals per game, which ranks 37th in the country. The Huskies rank 150th in steals allowed per game (7.1).
UConn ranks 147th in assists per game (13.0) while Temple ranks 148th in assists allowed per game (13.1).
The Owls have been outscored by an average of 6.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Temple has defeated opponents by an average of 3.1 points.
During their last five games, the Huskies have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 70.6 points per game (8.7 above their season average).
