Forget The Alleged Point Shaving, Temple Will Play For AAC Title Against UAB Amid Gambling Investigation

Oh, so you thought an investigation into alleged fixing of games would stop the Temple Owls from making a run in the AAC tournament this week? Well, I've got news for you, the Owls are playing for a conference championship on Sunday, against the same team that was part of this investigation. 

Temple University has gone on a four-game winning streak this week, with Saturday bringing another upset for the Owls. In front of what might have been 100 people in Fort Worth, Texas, which is the site of the AAC tournament for some reason, Temple defeated last year's NCAA Tournament darling FAU. 

Entering the conference tournament with 500-1 odds of actually winning, Temple has put the chatter of an investigation on the back-burner, and will now play for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. 

But, it's the opponent that makes this even better, as the Owls will face UAB on Sunday, which was the team that Temple played in March that set off this ongoing investigation. Before their matchup with the Blazers on March 7, UAB opened as a 2.5 point favorite to beat Temple. That betting line shot to over eight points before tip-off, sending the gambling community into investigation mode. 

The U.S. Integrity, a gambling watchdog group that monitors unusual activity in sporting events sent a notice to casinos around the country that something fishy might be going on with the game in March, according to Yahoo at the time. 

Following the 100-72 UAB win, the Temple administration released a statement regarding the matter. 

"We are aware of the media reports regarding last night’s men’s basketball game," it said. "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."

Temple Basketball Clearly Doesn't Care About Some Wacky Investigation

I think the Owls have made it clear that they do not care about the outside noise surrounding the program, as the 11th seed is just one win away from the NCAA Tournament. Heck, this squad was +650 entering the game against FAU on Saturday, and made a lot of folks who took the Owls some money. 

Hysier Miller of the Temple Owls holds their team placard up to the crowd after defeating Florida Atlantic during the AAC Men's Basketball Championship - Semifinal game at Dickies Arena on March in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Now it's all about finishing the job, which will not come easy against Sunday against the UAB Blazers, led by head coach Andy Kennedy. 

But this would truly be one of the crazier things to happen in a very long time in college basketball if Temple were to somehow defy the odds (just messing around) and make the NCAA Tournament while being investigated for potential point shaving. 

I think it's only fitting that to make history, they'll have to beat the team that was a part of this mess earlier in the month. 

It's certainly March, so bring on the madness.