Temple Basketball Braces for Challenge from South Florida Bulls

The Temple Owls (13-8, 5-3 AAC) are set to host the South Florida Bulls (14-7, 6-2 AAC) on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET in a crucial American Athletic Conference matchup. The Bulls are riding high on a four-game road winning streak, while the Owls look to rebound after a narrow defeat at home.

Bulls Riding Momentum

South Florida comes into this game with significant momentum, having recently defeated Tulane 97-83 on the road. Wes Enis led the charge with an impressive 25 points, 2 steals, and a stellar 53.85% field goal percentage, including 5-10 shooting from beyond the arc. Joseph Pinion also contributed significantly with 17 points and a 50% field goal percentage. The Bulls’ offensive firepower will be a key test for the Temple defense.

Owls Seek to Recover

Temple, however, suffered a tough 80-76 loss at home to Charlotte in their last outing. Derrian Ford led the Owls with 21 points, while Jordan Mason added 20 points, shooting 54.55% from the field and converting 2-4 three-point attempts. The Owls will need to find a way to improve their defensive consistency and capitalize on their home-court advantage.

Key Matchups and What to Expect

This game promises to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams capable of putting up significant numbers. The battle in the paint will be crucial, as both teams feature strong interior players. Controlling the boards and limiting turnovers will also be vital for success. The game is expected to be closely contested, with the Bulls slightly favored according to BetMGM Sportsbook (odds updated Saturday at 9:34 p.m. ET). For a comprehensive list of sports betting odds, visit the USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

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