Penn State Nittany Lions vs Temple Owls Point Spread Picks

Temple is a big dog but will lean on its tough defense for this NIT matchup, ranked third in their conference in points allowed, second at defending the three-pointer. Temple is 5-1 ATS as a dog of seven or more, covering the last game against Wichita State as a +11.5 dog, along with a 66-64 win at SMU as a double-digit dog. The Owls have also covered six of their last eight against winning teams, beating Auburn of the SEC and Clemson of the ACC as underdogs this season. Penn State missed the Big Dance and has to settle for the NIT. The Nittany Lions are a big favorite but are one-dimensional, relying on sophomore Tony Carr (19.9 points per game). Temple has won 60 of the 92 all-time matchups with the underdog covering the last six when these teams clash. Play Temple.

Temple will get a lift as Scootie Randall and his 12 points per game will be back in the lineup as the Owls open NCAA Tourney play against Penn State. Temple is one of the most balanced teams in the country with five contributing double-digits per game. Penn State will rely on Taylor Battle for most of the offense, and this is not a deep team at all. I think the Owls will have the advantage as they can key on Battle and make someone else beat them. On offense they have a lot more answers than Penn State. The Nittany Lions will follow the same blueprint they used to get past Wisconsin, an ugly 36-33 decision that was played for 40 minutes in the half-court, using the entire shot clock. The Owls have been 10-2 to the UNDER at a neutral site in their last 12 and are used to the half-court game. The Owls play big in big games and are 23-11-1 ATS in their last 35 vs. a winning team. They have the formula, talent, depth and experience to get it done here. Temple gets the nod, and I'll also play on the UNDER here.