Houston at Temple odds, picks and predictions
The No. 3 Houston Cougars (21-2, 9-1 AAC) look to avenge its only conference loss of the season against the Temple Owls (14-9, 8-2) in Philadelphia Sunday at 6 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook's lines around the Houston vs. Templeodds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Despite the elite defense played by Houston, the Cougars still lost its first meeting 56-55 to Temple in Houston as 19.5-point favorites. This was the only conference loss for the Cougars, who will look to stay atop the AAC with a victory over Temple, who sits just 1 game behind in the standings.
At 69.4 points per game, the Owls are not a high-powered offense, ranking 239th in the country. On defense, Houston only allows 55.2 points, which is 3rd in the nation on the season. With an elite defense and an offense able to score over 75 points per game, this leads to the Cougars being one of the best teams in the country at 21-2.
Even with its elite defense, Houston will need to avenge its earlier loss to Temple if it wants to win the conference heading into March Madness.
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Houston at Temple odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML) : Houston -750 (bet $750 to win $100) | Temple +475 (bet $100 to win $475)
- Against the spread (ATS) : Houston +11.5 (-110) | Temple -11.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U) : 131.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Houston at Temple picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 60, Temple 55
Moneyline
PASS.
Temple won the first meeting as 19.5-point underdogs. No one could see that coming or make a wager on it. This game will be another close contest, but Houston will pull out the victory this time. I am not willing to wager -750 on any straight wager so this is a stay away.
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Against the spread
The 19.5-point spread was too high in the first meeting, and 11.5 is still too high in the rematch here.
The Owls scored 56 in the previous meeting, and a similar output should be in store here for the home team while Houston will barely get to 60. This game screams TEMPLE +11.5 (-110) and the Under.
Over/Under
UNDER 131.5 (-115) is the way to go.
The Owls are 4-1 on the Under in their last 5 Sunday games and have gone Under in 4 of their last 5 against teams with winning records.
Both of these teams like to slow the pace, and this is perfect for a lazy Sunday game to hit the Under 131.5.
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