The SMU Mustangs (16-5, 6-3 AAC) and their outstanding offense travel to Temple to play the Owls (11-11, 3-7 AAC) and their superb defense. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and will air on ESPNU.
SMU Mustangs at Temple Owls Betting Odds
In their last contest, the Owls were beaten by the Memphis Tigers, 79-65, while the Mustangs were victorious over the Tulane Green Wave, 82-67.
SMU played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic offensive rebounding percentage of 35.5 (above their season average of 35.0) and a free throw rate of 0.131 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Tulane was 17.6 and 0.085, respectively. Temple, on the other hand, forced Memphis into a turnover percentage of 20.4 (above the 17.0 mark opponents have averaged against Temple this season). Quinton Rose played a pivotal role for Temple with 13 points, six rebounds and six assists. SMU was led by Kendric Davis, who put up 18 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Tyson Jolly led the Mustangs to a 68-52 victory. He registered a double-double with 25 points and 14 rebounds. SMU out-rebounded Temple. The Mustangs had more offensive rebounds (15 vs. 7), defensive rebounds (32 vs. 25) and total rebounds (47 vs. 32).
It will be a matchup of opposite paces as the fast-paced Owls (ranked 83rd in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more grind-it-out Mustangs (290th in possessions per game). Also, the Mustangs rank 14th in offensive efficiency (112.2), while the Owls rank 58th in defensive efficiency (94.1).
SMU Mustangs at Temple Owls Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – SMU, ATS Winner – SMU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- SMU ranks 42nd in rebounds allowed per game (31.9) while Temple ranks 250th (38.0).
- The Owls rank 36th in steals per game (8.1) while the Mustangs rank 162nd (5.9).
- SMU ranks 105th in blocks per game (3.3) while Temple ranks 159th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
- The Mustangs average 24.4 three pointers per game, which ranks 66th in the nation. The Owls rank 262nd in three pointers allowed per game (25.7).
- SMU ranks 13th in assists per game (16.6) while Temple ranks 151st in assists allowed per game (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Mustangs have scored an average of 70.2 points per game (5.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.6 points per game (3.5 below their season average).
- The Owls have been outscored by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Temple has defeated opponents by an average of 1.9 points.
