Temple (14-9) at Memphis (19-4)
- When: Feb 9 2025, 2:00 PM
- Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN2
Game Preview
Spread: Memphis -13.5 | Total: 156.5
Memphis looks to settle the score with Temple on Sunday as the Tigers aim to maintain their dominance in the American Athletic Conference. The No. 17 Tigers have been one of the top teams in the AAC but suffered their only conference loss at the hands of Temple last month. With revenge on their minds, Memphis will look to cover the spread as they host the Owls.
Memphis Tigers Outlook
Memphis (19-4, 9-1 AAC) has flirted with danger multiple times in conference play, winning three games by four points or fewer, but the Tigers have consistently found ways to survive. Their most recent contest was far less stressful, as they rolled past Tulsa 83-71, keeping their winning streak alive at six games.
The Tigers are led by PJ Haggerty, who has been on fire, averaging 21.7 points per game while shooting 51.1 percent from the field. Against his former team, Tulsa, he dropped 23 points with ease. Illinois transfer Dain Dainja has also stepped up, putting together an impressive stat line of 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, four blocks, and three steals in that same game.
Memphis continues to be deadly from beyond the arc, leading all Division I teams in three-point percentage at 40.3 percent. The Tigers hit 9-of-21 (42.9 percent) from deep in their last game and shot 56.7 percent overall. Expect them to lean on that perimeter shooting once again in a rematch where Temple outshot them from three in their previous meeting.
Temple Owls Outlook
Temple (14-9, 6-4 AAC) delivered a shocking 88-81 upset over Memphis on Jan. 16 by taking control of two key aspects of the game: three-point shooting and rebounding. The Owls knocked down 9-of-22 from beyond the arc and dominated the glass 49-25. Shane Dezonie led the charge with 15 points and 13 rebounds in that win.
However, since then, Temple has been inconsistent, dropping three of their last five games, including a wild 100-91 double-overtime loss to South Florida on Thursday. Making matters worse, leading scorer Jamal Mashburn Jr. (22.1 PPG) missed that game due to a foot injury, and his status for Sunday remains uncertain.
Without Mashburn, Temple leaned on Zion Stanford and Steve Settle III, who combined for 44 points in the loss. Settle recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, while Stanford exploded for 23 points off the bench.
The Owls’ defense has been a major concern in recent weeks, allowing an alarming 89.4 points per game over their last five contests. If that trend continues, stopping a high-powered Memphis offense could be a tall task.
Betting Prediction
Memphis has been on a roll, and with revenge as motivation, expect the Tigers to come out aggressive. Temple’s defense has been porous, and if Mashburn Jr. is out or limited, it will be difficult for the Owls to keep pace.
Memphis has covered in five of its last eight games, while Temple has struggled against the number, failing to cover in six of its last seven. Given the Tigers’ efficiency from three and Temple’s defensive struggles, Memphis should dictate the pace and pull away late. Look for the Tigers to cover the spread at home while pushing the total toward the over in what should be an up-tempo contest.
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- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
