The Villanova Wildcats enter what could be a trap game after a somewhat lackluster performance in their last outing, as they host the Temple Owls on Tuesday. No matter who ultimately picks up the W, you can expect plenty of points as Villanova and Temple have averaged a combined 147.8 points in their past seven meetings with the OVER going 6-0-1.
Josh Hart put the Wildcats on his back in their last game, as the senior scored a career-high 37 points with 11 rebounds and four assists against Notre Dame. Hart has been on a tear of late, with the preseason all-American averaging 24.7 points, 10 rebounds and 5.6 assists in the past three. 'Nova will hope to find some secondary scoring, as the next three leading scorers on the team have averaged a combined 23.7 points in the past three.
After suffering an Achilles injury during the offseason, Temple senior Josh Brown got his first start of the season in the Owls' last game. The guard tallied 11 points, five assists and seven steals in his return to the starting lineup, which were all higher than his career averages.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Temple Owls opened as 16-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later (check out Sportsbook for the latest situation).
Temple Owls vs Villanova Wildcats Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Temple Owls will try to spoil to the party and cover the point spread on Tuesday; they are 7-2 ATS against the betting line this season, while the Villanova Wildcats are 6-4 ATS. Temple Owls are 6-3 on betting the total; Villanova Wildcats are 5-5.
The Odds Shark Power Rankings have the Villanova Wildcats at No. 5 and the Temple Owls at No. 70 heading into this college basketball betting matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring and defensive stats point to some betting edges in this matchup. The game features Villanova's No. 57-ranked scoring average of 80.2 PPG, against a Temple Owls defense rated No. 147 and allowing 71.4 PPG. The Villanova Wildcats FG% has averaged 50% to date this season, more than the Temple Owls shooters have managed so far (43.95% per game).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Owls got 15 points from Obi Enechionyia as Temple ran past DePaul 74-65 on Saturday at AmericanAirlines Arena.
The Wildcats used a 37-point performance from Josh Hart to help Villanova smack Notre Dame 74-66 on Saturday at Prudential Center.
Next Betting Matchups
Temple home to NJIT, Saturday, December 17th
Villanova at American, Wednesday, December 21st