Villanova vs Temple: Game Preview

Villanova Wildcats (5-1) vs Temple Owls (4-3)

Where: Finneran Pavilion (Villanova, PA)

When: Monday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 PM

Betting Line: TBD

How to Watch: FS1

How to Listen: Villanova Sports Radio Network

About Temple: The Owls are the second of three Big-5 rivals that are on the schedule this year for Villanova. Temple was selected to finish 9th out of 13 teams in the American Athletic Conference Preseason Poll. The Owls have no players on the Preseason All-Conference teams. Temple returns four players from last seasons’ team, including All-Freshman Team honoree Aiden Tobiason. The sophomore guard is averaging 15.3 points per game thus far on 50.7% from the field and 36.1% from three. The second of two returning starters is fellow sophomore forward Babatunde Durodola, who averages 4.9 points and 3.9 rebounds per game on the season. Much like the majority of the country, the Owls brought in a number of transfers (eight to be exact). The leading scorer through seven games is Arkansas State transfer Derrian Ford. The 6’3” senior is averaging 16.6 points and 4.6 rebounds on 41.8% shooting. As far as common opponents go, Temple defeated La Salle at home earlier this year 90-63. The Owls are coming off of a 90-75 loss to Rhode Island in Orlando.

Notes of Nova: The Cats’ continued taking care of business against Old Dominion. Entering the Temple match-up with a five-game winning streak hasn’t come without its challenges, as Villanova has only played one game thus far with its full arsenal. This time, it was double-double machine Duke Brennan missing with an ankle sprain. The Wildcats were still able to outrebound the Monarchs 33-27 without the nation’s leading rebounder, and if necessary they should be able to again against Temple. The Owls are 307th in the country in rebounding at this time of writing. With the size (or lack thereof) of the Temple rotation, Villanova should be able to get creative with its lineup.