USA TODAY Sports

The Temple Owls won their 5th straight game and improved to 16-8 (10-3 AAC) on the season after defeating the South Florida Bulls, 77-65, this past Sunday. Temple was able to gain a quick 15-4 lead to start begin the game and never trailed in the 2nd half after taking a 40-61 halftime lead. Temple shot 47.8% from the field and 37.5% (9-24) from beyond the arc. The Owls allowed the Bulls to shoot 55.1% shooting from the field and won the turnover battle by a 20-8 margin. Leading the way for Temple was Jaylen Bond who had 18 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a block. On the season, the Owls have been led by Quenton DeCosey (16.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.2 spg), Jaylen Bond (9.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 1.2 apg, 1.0 spg), and Obi Enechionyia (9.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg). Offensively, Temple is averaging 69.4 ppg on 40.8% shooting from the field and 33.7% shooting from beyond the arc. The Owls average 7.9 three-pointers per game and have an assist/turnover ratio of 1.42. Defensively, Temple is holding their opponents to average 67.4 ppg on 41.6% shooting. The Owls have a rebound margin of -1.8 and a turnover margin of 2.1.

Villanova looked  flat against St. John’s in their recent victory as although they have one of the better well-rounded teams in the country, the Wildcats can at times have difficulty scoring the basketball. Temple has won 8 of their last 9 games and have been outstanding on the defensive end in conference play as they have been holding their opponents to an average of 66.2 ppg. Temple is 9-2 at home this season and as they are holding opponents to just 30.3% shooting from beyond the arc on the season, I think the Owls will keep the Wildcats offense in check and at least cover with the points in this one. Take Temple and the points.