Betsided

Temple vs. Clemson Prediction and Odds: Value on the Under

By Reed Wallach

Clemson sophomore guard Al-Amir Dawes reacts after scoring and begin fouled, near teammate PJ Hall
Clemson sophomore guard Al-Amir Dawes reacts after scoring and begin fouled, near teammate PJ Hall / Ken Ruinard / staff / USA TODAY NETWORK
facebooktwitterreddit

Clemson is off to a 3-0 start in hopes of making a second consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. It takes the short trip over to Charleston to face the Temple Owls in the quarterfinals of the Shriners Children's Charleston Classic.

Temple is 1-1 on the year, losing to USC at home last week, but should be able to hang tough with the Tigers on Thursday afternoon.

Before we find the best bet, let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Exclusive offer. Bet $1, Win $100 if anyone makes a 3-pointer. . dark

Temple vs. Clemson Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Temple: +5.5 (-110)
  • Clemson: -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Temple: -+180
  • Clemson: -225

Total: 134.5

Temple vs. Clemson Pick and Prediction

I see value on the under in this matchup, fading Clemson's overachieving offense through the first week and change of the season.

Brad Brownell's club is a defensive-minded team, but has had favorable matchups to inflate their offensive metrics. The team is shooting over 46% from three, 11th best in the country, and posting an effective field goal percentage of 59%, which is the 24th highest clip early on.

However, that was against mid-major foes like Presbyterian, Wofford, and Bryant (who really likes to run). Clemson still prides itself on defense and running through its progressions on offense. The team is 281st in adjusted tempo and limiting the likes of sweet shooting teams like Wofford and Bryant to 23% from deep.

Now they will face a Temple team that is middle of the pack when it comes to pace, but is also a defensive-minded unit. In Aaron McKie's two prior season in Philadelphia, the Owls ranked 47th and 110th in defensive efficiency and are inside the top 100 this season.

I think we see some regression from the Tigers from the perimeter and this game becomes more of a rock fight. It also helps that Temple is shooting a ghastly 54% from the charity stripe and the Tigers are bottom third in the nation with a 66% mark.

I'll take the under in a number that is inflated based on early season returns.

PICK: UNDER 134.5

Home/College Basketball Predictions and Picks