Betting Preview
- Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
- Location: Moody Center in Austin, TX
- TV: Longhorn Network
- Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023
- Location: Moody Cen
In their recent matchup, the Rice Owls faced off against Harvard, resulting in a final score of 89-76 in favor of Harvard. The game saw the Owls committing 19 fouls, closely followed by Harvard with 20 fouls. Harvard showcased their prowess from the free-throw line, converting 78.3% of their attempts (18 of 23) and securing 32 rebounds, though they were unable to register any blocks. The team recorded 17 assists and 8 steals. On the defensive end, Rice allowed Harvard to shoot at a 53.3% field goal rate on 32 of 60 attempts. Rice countered with 14 assists, 10 forced turnovers, and 6 steals. The Owls managed 29 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards. From the charity stripe, Rice posted a 64.3% success rate (18 of 28), and their overall field goal percentage for the game was 41.7%, making 25 of 60 attempts, with 8 successful shots from beyond the arc out of 24.
Mekhi Mason played a pivotal role for the Owls in this game, contributing significantly with 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds during his 34 minutes on the court. As the team enters the season with a 1-1 record, Rice demonstrates a penchant for offensive efficiency, averaging 88.5 points per game while connecting on 40.0% of their shots from beyond the arc (22 of 55) and maintaining a 65.9% free-throw success rate.
Shifting the focus to their defensive performance, the Owls are proving to be formidable, forcing an average of 12.0 turnovers per game and drawing 16.5 fouls. However, they have conceded 27 assists to opponents and allow a shooting percentage of 45.3% (53 of 117). The team holds a 31.3% defensive rate against three-point shots and is ranked 232nd in college basketball in points per game allowed, giving up an average of 73.0 points.
On the other side of the court, the Texas Longhorns secured an impressive 86-59 victory against Delaware State in their recent outing. Max Abmas emerged as a key player for the Longhorns, contributing 19 points, 5 assists, and a 50.0% shooting rate during his 35 minutes on the hardwood. Texas currently holds a 2-0 record, showcasing offensive efficiency with an average of 87.0 points per game and a commendable 51.7% field goal success rate.
Defensively, the Longhorns exhibit a robust performance, allowing only a 21.9% success rate from three-point land (7 of 32) and holding opponents to a 57.5 points-per-game average. They force an impressive 19.0 turnovers per game, limiting teams to a 34.5% shooting rate. With a focus on their defensive strengths and offensive prowess, Texas is positioned well early in the season.
The Pick: Rice Owls +20.5
Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook (USA), Bodog Sportsbook (Canada, LATAM)
