Get ready for a court of Owls on Saturday afternoon. The Temple Owls (9-6; 6-8-0 ATS) and Rice Owls (11-5; 8-7-0 ATS) have their only scheduled matchup of the season at 2:00 p.m. EST. Houston's Tudor Fieldhouse is the site of this clash. Last season, the visiting team took both games between these programs. Does that bode well for Temple on Saturday?
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Read on for our Temple vs. Rice prediction.
Temple Took A Tough Loss
Philadelphia's Owls (1-1 AAC) fell 80-79 at East Carolina on Wednesday. They were up 79-76 in the final 30 seconds but couldn't pull through. Looking to get back on track, Temple will lean on Jamal Mashburn Jr. (20.5 ppg) and their offense. These Owls average 79.3 points per contest. They hit 45.2% of their field goals, 35.1% of their three-pointers, and 72.8% of their free throws. Temple averages 10.8 offensive rebounds and turnovers per game. Can they get back in the win column against Rice?
Flipping to the defense, Temple has had a rough stretch. Three of their past four opponents scored at least 80 points. In their past 10 games, seven foes found their way to at least 80 points. Overall, the Owls allow 74.5 points per contest. Temple holds foes to 41.6% shooting, a 31.9% clip on threes, and 20.5 trips to the free throw line. This defense forces 11.9 turnovers per game and allows 13.0 offensive boards. How will the Owls hold up on Saturday?
Key Injuries - Jameel Brown (questionable)
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Rice Needs to Regroup
Houston's Owls (2-1 AAC) are coming off a 22-point loss to North Texas. Rice had won three straight before that and needs to get back on track. Particularly, a defense that had held four straight foes under 70 points before that loss. Aided by a slow tempo (325th per KenPom), Rice usually limits opponents to 65.8 points per game. Opposing players only hit 30.1% of their threes and 39.5% of their field goals against these Owls. Rice's opponents average 20.5 free throw attempts and 10.4 offensive rebounds per contest. This defense forces 10.5 turnovers per game. Will Rice get back on track against Temple?
Offensively, this is a team averaging 69.3 points per game and the Owls haven't scored 70 points in three consecutive home contests. Rice shoots 42.1% from the floor, 31.6% from deep, and 68.2% at the free throw line. Their strength is offensive rebounding, as Rice grabs 12.4 per game. The Owls turn the ball over 12.8 times per game. Rice's offense hasn't had much punch lately. Let's see if that'll change on Saturday.
Key Injuries - Trey Patterson (questionable)
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Best Bets for Temple vs. Rice
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
Temple has not only beat the spread in three straight games but they've covered in their last two on the road. The visiting Owls can match the home team in forcing missed shots defensively. Temple typically allows fewer free throw attempts per possession than Rice.
Then, Temple's offense is much more efficient, especially at the free throw line. They have much better ball security too, which will allow them to dictate the pace of the game. Expect Temple to beat the spread at Rice again.
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
Nine of Temple's 14 games have finished over the total this season, including the last four. Five of Rice's previous eight games ended over the total. Temple (86th in adjusted tempo) will weaponize Rice's shaky ball security to speed up Saturday's showdown.
Both sides allow more than 20 free throw attempts per game, which will provide scoring with the clock stopped. Rice will feast on the offensive glass and Temple consistently allows 80+ points. Temple's transition buckets will provide quick strikes and they've scored 79+ points in four straight. Bet on the over for this battle.
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