The 13th-ranked Houston Cougars (20-1, 7-1 AAC) welcome the Temple Owls (15-5, 5-2 AAC) to Fertitta Center. The Cougars will attempt to extend their five-game winning streak. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Temple Owls at Houston Cougars Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Cougars beat the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, 77-65, while the Owls were beaten by the Cincinnati Bearcats, 72-68.
The Cougars, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.3, had a ridiculous mark of 43.2 and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.508 vs. 0.472). Temple, on the other hand, held Cincinnati to an effective field goal percentage of 0.427 (below their season average of 0.517). Houston was lifted by Armoni Brooks, who recorded 22 points and five rebounds. J.P. Moorman II, meanwhile had a good outing for Temple, recording 20 points.
In their first matchup this year, Quinton Rose led the Owls to a 73-69 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 22 points. Temple did a terrific job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (25-28; 89.3 percent). Houston, on the other hand, had a better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 15.1).
Houston should have the advantage on the defensive side of the ball. The Cougars currently rank second in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.419), while Temple is 213th in effective field goal percentage (0.506). Additionally, second chance points figure to be few and far between for the Owls. They rank 283rd in the country in offensive rebounding percentage at 25.4 percent, while the Cougars are 58th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 74.7 percent).
Temple Owls vs. Houston Cougars Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Houston ranks ninth in rebounds per game (41.7) while Temple ranks 223rd (33.9).
- The Cougars rank 19th in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Owls rank 112th (12.8).
- Temple ranks 11th in steals per game (9.1) while Houston ranks 79th (7.0).
- The Cougars rank 31st in blocks per game (4.6) while the Owls rank 169th (2.3).
- Houston ranks 37th in three pointers attempted per game (26.4) while Temple ranks 151st (22.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cougars have scored an average of 77.6 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
- The Owls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.2, down from 4.4 for the season.
