Temple vs Dayton: Prediction and Fan Poll

Khalif Wyatt

© Associated Press

DAYTON (11-4, 1-0 A-10) AT TEMPLE (10-3, 0-0 A-10)

Time/TV: 4 p.m./CBS Sports

Location: Liacouras Center

RPI Rankings: Dayton 26; Temple 17.

Line: Temple -7

Dayton Players to Watch: G Kevin Dillard, 6-0 Jr. (12.2 ppg, 5.4 apg, 2 spg); F/C Josh Benson, 6-9 Jr. (10.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 61% FG); G Paul Williams, 6-4 Sr. (9.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 41% 3s). Williams scored six of his 11 points in overtime of Wednesday’s overtime win over Saint Louis.

Temple Players to Watch: G Ramone Moore, 6-4 Sr. (16.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.8 apg); G Khalif Wyatt, 6-4 Jr. (14.8 ppg, 2.7 apg, 39.3% 3s); G Juan Fernandez, 6-4 Sr. (12.6 ppg, 4.2 apg, 39% 3s). Wyatt scored 22 points, including two key 3-pointers, in the Owls’ 78-73 upset of No.3 Duke on Thursday.

Storyline: Dayton opened Atlantic 10 play with an overtime win over Saint Louis. The contest is Temple’s conference opener. Both teams figure to contend for the A-10 title.

Keys to Victory: Dayton has a clear advantage in the middle and shoots high percentages from the field. With Wyatt, Fernandez and Moore, Temple is stronger on the perimeter. The unit that plays better likely gets the victory.

The Bottom Line: Both teams are on a high after knocking off strong teams this week. With home-court advantage, it’s likely the Owls who get their fifth straight win on Saturday.

The Pick: Temple 75, Dayton 67.