Gambling watchdog flags Temple-UAB game for unusual wagering
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Temple University is responding to a report that shows unusual gambling activity during Thursday's men's basketball game against the University of Alabama-Birmingham. Influencing the outcome of a game for gambling purposes is illegal.
So, when there is suspicious activity, it sets off alarms.
Temple was a 1-point underdog when the day began, but leading up to game time that number ballooned to 8-points and eventually settled at 7-points just before tip-off.
The movement of the point spread was flagged by a watchdog company that works to combat illicit college sports betting and fraud. The Owls lost the game by 28.
Temple released a statement saying:
"We are aware of the media reports regarding last night's men's basketball game. We will review the reports thoroughly in accordance with university and NCAA policies. While we can't comment any further at this time, we take this matter very seriously."
Rob Ellis from WIP used to host a gambling show on CBS Philadelphia.
When asked if dramatic changes in the point spread are unusual outside of a major injury to a key player, Ellis said it's "extremely unusual."
"Extremely unusual. Generally, unless there's an injury involved. And in this case, if the line jumps 6 points, 7 points, 7.5 whatever, you're talking about a superstar," Ellis said. "Now frankly, and no disrespect to Temple, they don't have a superstar that would affect the line this way. I don't know if UAB did either. That fact that [the line] started where it started and it jumped where it did, that means there was some serious action on the UAB side of this thing."
Sports Illustrated reports that the watchdog company, U.S. Integrity "has been monitoring" Temple games for a while.
U.S. Integrity said they will not comment on an "ongoing investigation".
Temple's final game is Sunday at San Antonio, Texas.