Temple basketball betting scandal
Are they point-shaving?
The recent Temple basketball betting scandal is catching some attention. With the rise of legal sports betting, there are growing fears among some fans that the games could be influenced or compromised somehow. Recently, there has been suspicion surrounding the Temple-UAB college basketball game due to some unusual line movement before the match.
The odds for the Temple men’s basketball team’s game against UAB experienced a massive shift on Thursday without any explanation. In 2023, a betting scandal rocked college sports when Brad Bohannon, the baseball coach for Alabama, was terminated for allegedly changing the starting pitcher while on the phone with an individual who was betting against the Crimson Tide. Currently, there is speculation surrounding Temple basketball, but the details about the unusual activity, which prompted an investigation, are slowly emerging.
Lines at Lunch on Twitter: “Is the Temple men’s basketball team point shaving? 🏀 pic.twitter.com/uJS0Bo5LZI / Twitter”
Is the Temple men’s basketball team point shaving? 🏀 pic.twitter.com/uJS0Bo5LZI
Temple basketball betting scandal, explained
Sports betting watchdog, U.S. Integrity, has raised concerns over unusual betting activity in the game between Temple and UAB on Thursday, according to Sports Illustrated. The spread shifted several points without explanation, prompting the watchdog to investigate. UAB started the day as 1.5-point favorites but the line moved by as much as 8 points by the afternoon with no notable injuries involved. Ultimately, UAB won the match 100-72, easily defeating the Owls in Philadelphia.
While the game was flagged due to unusual activity, it was the second consecutive game in which Temple failed to cover the spread. Sports Illustrated reported that U.S. Integrity has been keeping a close eye on Temple “for a while”, although it’s unclear what initially caught their attention.
However, one game has been at the center of speculation – the spread for Temple’s game against Memphis on Feb. 8 jumped from 6.5 points to 10.5 points less than four hours before tip-off, despite no notable players missing the contest with injury. Memphis won by only seven, failing to cover the spread.
Awful Announcing on Twitter: “”There’s nothing we can find here. Look, I’m not gonna say this is point-shaving…It’s weird to see it a second time with Temple.”Jim Root on the Temple basketball team’s line dramatically shifting for the second time this year.pic.twitter.com/nBSlnAUYZ8 / Twitter”
“There’s nothing we can find here. Look, I’m not gonna say this is point-shaving…It’s weird to see it a second time with Temple.”Jim Root on the Temple basketball team’s line dramatically shifting for the second time this year.pic.twitter.com/nBSlnAUYZ8
Owls struggling
The Temple basketball team has had a difficult season so far. They are currently last in the AAC with a 4-13 conference record and an 11-19 overall record in their first year under coach Adam Fisher. The team had a losing streak of 10 consecutive games from early January through mid-February. However, they managed to win three consecutive games before losing their last two. The Owls have one more regular season game left before the AAC Tournament begins.
Temple statement on betting allegations
Both Temple and the AAC have addressed the speculation.
Temple basketball director of strategic communications Chad Cooper said the program takes the issue very seriously, explaining, “We are aware of the social media posts regarding last night’s men’s basketball game. We will review the reports thoroughly in accordance with university and NCAA policies.”
AAC director of men’s basketball communications told Sports Illustrated, “We are aware they flagged it,” confirming that U.S. Integrity is involved.
There is no indication Temple’s scheduled regular-season finale against UTSA on Sunday is in danger. However, extra attention will be paid to an Owls team that has otherwise endured an unremarkable season in the AAC.