Game: Charlotte 49ers vs. Temple Owls

Date: January 28th at 7:00 PM ET

Where to Watch: ESPN+

Following a slightly longer break between games than usual, Charlotte will travel north to Philadelphia to take on the Temple Owls as American Conference play continues. Charlotte has won its last two games by the identical score of 73–70 and will look to carry that momentum into Wednesday night.

On the season, the 49ers are 11–9 overall and 5–2 in conference play. With Temple sitting 155th in the NET rankings, this matchup qualifies as a Quad 3 game for Charlotte, a quadrant in which they are just 2–5 this season. Offensively, Charlotte is averaging 73.6 points per game (210th in Division I) while allowing 73.1 points per game (134th).

Temple has experienced a very similar season and also enters this matchup riding a two-game winning streak. The Owls are 13–7 overall with a 5–2 record in the American. From Temple’s perspective, this is narrowly considered a Quad 4 game, a category in which they are a perfect 9–0 this season. Offensively, Temple has been serviceable, averaging 73.7 points per game (205th in Division I), while allowing just 70.1 points per game (70th).

With both teams matching up fairly evenly on paper, this one sets up to be a competitive and entertaining matchup.

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Betting Overview

There are some slight discrepancies across sportsbooks for this game. Most books list Temple as a 4.5-point favorite, while others have the line at –4 or even –3.5. The moneyline is available at only a few sportsbooks, with the best value on Charlotte at +172 (FanDuel) and Temple at –185 (BetMGM). The total has been consistently posted in the 140.5 to 141.5 range.

KenPom Ratings

There is a noticeable gap between these teams in the KenPom rankings, with Temple sitting 145th nationally and owning a +1.60 net rating, while Charlotte ranks 179th with a –1.54 net rating. While Temple’s raw points-per-game numbers suggest a stronger defensive profile, KenPom metrics tell a different story.

Temple carries an adjusted offensive efficiency of 112.2 (122nd nationally) and an adjusted defensive efficiency of 110.6 (200th). Charlotte, meanwhile, posts an adjusted offensive efficiency of 112.2 (123rd) but struggles defensively, with an adjusted defensive efficiency of 113.7 (267th).

Betting Trends

These programs have met five times since the start of the 2024 season, with Temple holding the edge by winning three of those five matchups while also covering the spread in three of five. Totals have leaned heavily toward the over, which has cashed in four of the five meetings.

This season, Charlotte is 10–9 against the spread. The 49ers are 3–3 on the road, 1–2 as an away underdog, 3–4 in games with four or more days of rest, and 4–3 in American Conference play. Totals have favored the over, hitting in 11 of 19 games overall. That trend has been even stronger on the road, where the over has cashed in four of six games, including two of three as an away underdog. With four or more days off, the over has hit in four of seven games, and in conference play, it has connected in five of seven.

Temple, meanwhile, is 9–10 ATS on the season. The Owls are 5–4 at home, 5–3 as a home favorite, 4–5 in games with two to three days of rest, and 5–2 in American Conference play. Totals have leaned toward the under, which has hit in 10 of 19 games this season. At home, the over has hit in five of nine games, splitting evenly (4–4) when Temple is listed as a home favorite. In games with two to three days of rest, the under has cashed in six of nine contests, including five of seven conference games.

Final Thoughts

Wednesday night’s matchup presents a strong opportunity for both teams to gain ground in the American Conference. Each enters with the same conference record, though that will obviously change once this game is decided. While Charlotte holds a rest advantage, home court figures to play a more significant role in this matchup. Because of that, Temple appears well positioned to pull away and cover the spread. As for the total, there is a slight lean toward the over.