Temple vs. Villanova Pick
Will No. 1 Villanova have an easy time when it plays host to Temple tonight at 7PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Villanova is the favorite at home in this game, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -16.5 points against Temple. The over/under total for the contest has been listed at 140.5 points. Villanova has won three straight meetings with Temple, covering the spread in all three of those wins.
Villanova is off to a perfect 10-0 start while going 6-4 against the spread. The four failed covers for the Wildcats came as a double-digit favorite. They are 4-4 ATS this season as a double-digit favorite. Nova is putting up 80.2 points per game on the season while shooting 50 percent as a team. Defensively, Nova is giving up just 62.9 points per contest. Villanova is led by Josh Hart, who is averaging 19.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game on the year. Kris Jenkins is adding 13.5 points and 4 rebounds per game.
Temple is coming off a 74-65 win over DePaul this weekend. The Owls are now 7-3 on the season and 7-2 against the spread. They have not lost a game by more than five points this season. Temple is averaging 75.9 points per game on offense this season but allowing 71.4 points per game on defense. Obi Enchionyia is lead Temple with 18.6 points and 7.7 rebounds per game while three others are adding at least 11 points per game.
NCAA BB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Villanova has been every bit of the top-ranked team in the country since winning the title last spring. But, they face a Temple team that seems to be pretty respectable in terms of talent and effort. While Nova has been able to win every game, they have been challenged by some questionable teams this year. I expect Temple to step up its game tonight for a chance at the No. 1 team and to keep this game competitive. Give me the Owls to cover.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: TEMPLE +16.5