The Temple Owls (22-8, 12-5 AAC) welcome the 25th-ranked UCF Knights (23-6, 13-4 AAC) to Liacouras Center as the regular season wraps up. The game can be seen on ESPN2 at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019.
UCF Knights at Temple Owls ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Owls beat the Connecticut Huskies 78-71, while the Knights barely escaped the 20th-ranked Cincinnati Bearcats 58-55.
UCF dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.151 (below their season average of 0.311) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5 (above their season average of 29.2). For those same stats, Cincinnati was 0.048 and 37.5, respectively. Temple, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 34.5 (above their season average of 26.4) and a free throw rate of 0.309 (above their season average of 0.235). For those same stats, Connecticut was 25.0 and 0.236, respectively. Temple rallied around Shizz Alston Jr., who contributed 34 points and five rebounds. BJ Taylor, meanwhile had a good outing for UCF, finishing with 22 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Tacko Fall led the Knights to a 78-73 victory. He registered a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Getting to the charity stripe was one of UCF’s largest strengths. They had 28 free throw attempts, while Temple had 15.
Temple might have difficulty putting up points as they battle against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. UCF currently ranks 25th in defensive efficiency while the Owls rank 139th in offensive efficiency.
UCF Knights vs. Temple Owls ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Ucf, ATS Winner – UCF, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UCF ranks 24th in blocks per game (4.6) while Temple ranks 177th (2.3).
- The Owls rank 129th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while the Knights rank 256th (19.0).
- Temple averages 14.7 assists per game, which ranks 75th in the country. UCF ranks 95th in assists allowed per game (12.4).
- The Knights rank 80th in rebounds per game (36.9) while the Owls rank 232nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- Temple ranks 13th in steals per game (8.8) while UCF ranks 160th (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Owls’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, up from 4.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Knights have scored an average of 70.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.0 points per game (5.7 below their season average).
