The Temple Owls (6-3) will be at home in Liacouras Center when they go head-to-head against the Drexel Dragons (5-4). Action begins at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
Drexel Dragons at Temple Owls Free Preview
The last time the Dragons played, they lost to the Robert Morris Colonials, 74-60. Kurk Lee had a good performance for Drexel, leading the team in scoring with 15 points on 6-for-14 shooting. Robert Morris forced the Dragons into a turnover percentage of 22.6 (above their season average of 16.9). Drexel, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.185 vs. 0.016).
The Owls are hoping for a better outcome after their 87-67 loss to the No. 1 Villanova Wildcats in their last matchup. Quinton Rose was Temple’s leading scorer with 27 points on 9-for-12 shooting. Villanova was lights out from beyond the arc (13-28; 46.4 percent). Temple, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (31.3 vs. 29.2).
Temple should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Since the 2016-17 season, Temple ranks 32nd in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while Drexel has forced the 40th-fewest turnovers (17.5 percent). Additionally, the Dragons have been among the NCAA’s best at getting to the line, ranking 17th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.229). The Owls, however, rank ninth at keeping opponents off the charity stripe with an opponents FTA rate of 0.217.
Drexel Dragons vs. Temple Owls Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Temple, ATS Winner – Temple, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Dragons rank 89th in rebounds per game (37.0) while the Owls rank 127th in rebounds allowed per game (37.2).
- Temple ranks 201st in assists per game (14.0) while Drexel ranks 238th (13.9).
- Drexel ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (3.2) while Temple ranks 132nd (3.9).
- The Dragons average 23.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 119th in the nation. The Owls rank 192nd in three pointers allowed per game (21.1).
- Temple ranks 45th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Drexel ranks 106th (6.4).
