Florida Atlantic vs Temple Prediction 1/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Florida Atlantic Owls and the Temple Owls will meet on Sunday afternoon in an AAC matchup at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Temple Owls Betting Preview

The Temple Owls enter Sunday’s contest with an 11–6 win‑loss record, including a 3–1 mark in conference play and an 8–1 record at home. The Owls have compiled wins over La Salle, Richmond, and Princeton, while losing games to West Virginia, UC San Diego and the Michigan State Spartans. In the Temple Owls 79–75 win over the Princeton Tigers earlier this season, Temple guard Derrian Ford amassed 21 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

The Temple Owls are averaging 74.3 points on 44.9 percent shooting from the field and 36.3 percent shooting from three-point range per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Temple Owls are allowing opponents 70.2 points on 43.8 percent shooting from the field per contest.

Guard Derrian Ford is averaging 17.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Senior guard Jordan Mason is averaging 11.4 points, 3 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals per contest. Junior guard Gavin Griffiths provides further backcourt stability averaging 12.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.3 blocks a game.

Florida Atlantic Owls Betting Preview

The Florida Atlantic Owls enter Sunday afternoon’s contest with a 12–6 record, including a 4-1 mark in conference play and a 2-4 record on the road. The Owls have compiled wins over Albany, Saint Louis and the Loyola Marymount Lions, while dropping games to Tulane, UCF and Saint Mary’s. Last month, in the Florida Atlantic Owls 88–75 loss to Saint Mary’s, Florida Atlantic guard Isaiah Elohim tallied 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals showcasing his ability to lead the Florida Atlantic Owls offense.

The Florida Atlantic Owls average 81.3 points on 47.1 percent shooting from the field and 35.1 percent shooting from behind the arc per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Owls are allowing opponents 74.6 points on 43.9 percent shooting from the field per contest.

Sophomore guard Darin Vanterpool leads the Florida Atlantic Owls averaging 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals on 45.1 percent shooting from the field per game. Junior guard Kanaan Carlyle averages 15.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals per contest. Sophomore forward Devin Williams adds 8 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 3 blocks per game giving the Owls a strong defensive anchor in the frontcourt.

Why the Temple Owls will win

•            Senior guard Derrian Ford scoring ability. Ford leads the Temple Owls averaging 15.6 points on 42.3 percent shooting from the field per game.

•            High tempo. The Temple Owls are averaging nearly 80 points per game which illustrates the team’s ability to force tempo upon the opponent.

•            Home court edge. The Temple Owls are 8–1 at home this season.

Why the Florida Atlantic Owls will win

•             Backcourt play. Sophomore guard Darin Vanterpool leads the Florida Atlantic Owls averaging 15.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals on 45.1 percent shooting from the field per game.

•             Offensive edge. The Florida Atlantic Owls average 81.3 points per game. Conversely, the Temple Owls are averaging just 74.3 points per contest.

Temple Owls vs. Florida Atlantic Owls Prediction

This matchup features the Florida Atlantic Owls offensive firepower and rebounding advantage against a Temple Owls team that has been strong at home and enters this contest undefeated in conference play. Which is the better side? For me, the more reliable side in this matchup is Florida Atlantic, whose scoring depth and pace should create separation late. For the reasons just noted, I am backing the Temple Owls to win tomorrow afternoon’s game.

Hans Geevers's Pick: Florida Atlantic TBA