Temple Owls vs. UCF Knights Betting Prediction 12/31/19

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A six-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the UCF Knights (9-3) when they square off against the Temple Owls (8-3) at CFE Federal Credit Union Arena. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31, 2019, and will air on ESPNU.

Temple Owls vs. UCF Knights ATS Odds

In their last matchup, the Knights lost a winnable game to the Oklahoma Sooners, 53-52, while the Owls beat the Rider Broncs, 78-66.

Temple’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Rider. The Owls had a rate of 0.612 (above their season average of 0.478), while the Broncs posted a mark of 0.384 (below their season average of 0.502). UCF, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 26.7). Dazon Ingram played well for UCF with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Alani Moore II had a solid performance for Temple, contributing 15 points.

This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last contest, the Owls won 67-62. The Owls’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Knights. Temple had a rate of 15.3, while UCF posted a mark of 22.7. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.

The offense of UCF will square off against the top-notch defense of Temple. The Knights rank 184th in offensive efficiency, while the Owls are 24th in defensive efficiency. The Owls figure to have the advantage on that side of the ball.

Temple Owls vs. UCF Knights Betting Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Temple, ATS Winner – Temple, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UCF ranks 102nd in three pointers allowed per game (21.3) while Temple ranks 259th (29.0).
  • The Owls rank 47th in steals per game (8.4) while the Knights rank 143rd (6.2).
  • UCF ranks 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while Temple ranks 120th (3.8).
  • The Knights average 39.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 40th in the NCAA. The Owls rank 196th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
  • Temple ranks 52nd in assists per game (15.4) while UCF ranks 187th in assists allowed per game (14.4).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Owls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 10.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Knights have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (2.8 below their season average).