In a surprising turn of events, Temple University has launched an investigation into potential match-fixing surrounding a Division 1 men’s basketball game. The game in question took place on March 7 between the Temple University Owls and the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers at Temple’s Liacouras Center in Philadelphia.
Unusual Betting Patterns Raise Concerns:
The investigation was prompted by reports of unusual betting patterns leading up to the game. Initially, UAB opened as a 2.5-point favorite, but the betting line surged to 8 points in favor of UAB within two hours of sportsbooks opening for the game. This significant shift in the betting line raised eyebrows, especially considering the late stage in the college basketball season and the absence of any significant news or injuries.
Game Outcome and Statistics:
The UAB Blazers went on to win the game with a decisive score of 100-72. Notably, UAB outperformed Temple in rebounds by a margin of 22, marking the Owls’ worst rebounding performance since 2019. The victory further solidified UAB’s record at 19-11, while the Owls’ record stands at 11-19.
Watchdog Group Flags Unusual Activity:
U.S. Integrity, a gambling watchdog group, reportedly flagged the game as unusual to U.S. casinos. The American Athletic Conference (AAC), when approached for comment, referred to Temple University’s statement on the matter. The AAC did not provide additional comments, and U.S. Integrity representatives have yet to respond to media requests.
Rising Concerns in College Athletics:
The incident brings attention to the growing concerns around the rise of digital gambling and its potential impact on college athletes. A 2023 NCAA survey revealed that 13% of Division 1 administrators dealt with gambling or sports wagering problems in the past year, a significant increase from 4% in 2019. Administrators expressed profound concerns about the billion-dollar sports wagering industry’s influence on student-athletes, citing challenges in monitoring and tracking activities due to technological advancements.
NCAA’s Response:
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) acknowledged the seriousness of sports betting and emphasized its commitment to protecting student-athlete well-being and competition integrity. The NCAA collaborates with integrity monitoring services, state regulators, and other stakeholders to conduct due diligence in response to suspicious reports. However, the NCAA maintained its policy of not commenting on ongoing or potential investigations to preserve confidentiality.
