Temple at Michigan State

The Owls were not on the radar at midesason at 14-12 but came together late and enter the tournament on a seven-game winning streak, playing their best basketball of the season. Since a January 9th ten-point loss to Duke, this team has lost just once by even as much as 6 points. It's hard to ignore two straight wins vs a good St. Joesph's team, and convincing thrashing of Xavier by 19. This team shoots the ball well at 47.2% and can knock down some 3's as they connect on 37.2%. Michigan State started strong at 19-2, but finished just 6-6. Outside of a lopsided game vs Indiana the Spartans have struggled against the top teams in the Big-10. The struggle has taken place on the offensive end of the court. They managed 70+ points in 16 of their first 23 games, but closed the season reaching the 70 point mark just twice in their last ten games. Temple is 14-5 ATS this season vs. winning teams including 8-2 int their last ten. They are also 8-1 ATS vs. teams good defensive teams (those holding foes to 42% or worse). We like the hot Owls to hang around in this one.