It will be a battle between AAC opponents when the Wichita State Shockers (20-7, 8-6 AAC) welcome the Temple Owls (14-13, 6-8 AAC) to Charles Koch Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 27, 2020.
Temple Owls at Wichita State Shockers ATS Prediction
In the Owls’ last game, they were beaten by the East Carolina Pirates, 67-63. East Carolina’s 0.293 free throw rate was their largest strength over Temple, who had a mark of 0.210. The Pirates’ mark was above their season average of 0.275, while the Owls’ was below the 0.264 mark opponents have averaged against East Carolina this season. Quinton Rose was Temple’s high scorer with 15 points on 5-for-18 shooting.
The Shockers lost a tough one against the Cincinnati Bearcats in their last game, 67-64. Getting to the free throw line was one of Cincinnati’s largest advantages. They made 30 trips to the line, while Wichita State went 17 times. With 10 points and 12 rebounds, Wichita State’s Jaime Echenique put together a solid performance.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. Echenique led both teams with 20 points in the first matchup, in which the Shockers lost 65-53. One of Temple’s largest advantages was getting to the charity stripe. They made 27 trips to the line, while Wichita State went 16 times.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Wichita State should have a noteworthy edge. The Shockers defense ranks 10th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.441), while the Temple offense is ranked 319th in effective field goal percentage (0.464). Moreover, second chance points figure to be tough to come by for the Owls. They rank 272nd in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.5 percent, while the Shockers are 44th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.5 percent).
Temple vs. Wichita State Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Wichita State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Wichita State ranks 27th in rebounds per game (39.4) while Temple ranks 260th in rebounds allowed per game (38.4).
The Shockers rank 55th in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while the Owls rank 279th (25.5).
Wichita State ranks 14th in assists allowed per game (9.9) while Temple ranks 179th (13.3).
The Shockers average 3.7 blocks per game, which ranks 74th in the country. The Owls rank 166th in blocks allowed per game (4.1).
Wichita State averages 7.2 steals per game, which ranks 71st in the NCAA. Temple ranks 153rd in steals allowed per game (6.7).
The Owls have been outscored by an average of 1.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Temple has defeated opponents by an average of 1.2 points.
During their last five games, the Shockers have scored an average of 65.8 points per game (6.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.6 points per game (1.1 below their season average).