The Rice Owls (9-15, 4-7 CUSA) wrap up their home schedule at Tudor Fieldhouse against the Marshall Thundering Herd (13-11, 6-5 CUSA). Action begins at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Rice Owls Betting Odds
Both teams fell in their last matchup. The Owls fell to the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, 92-85, while the Thundering Herd got blown out by the North Texas Mean Green, 78-51.
Marshall did a terrific job of making free throws (14-16; 87.5 percent) while Rice had a better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 25.0). Rice’s Quentin Millora-Brown led the way, recording 13 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Taevion Kinsey fueled Marshall with 18 points and five rebounds.
The Thundering Herd won the only game between these two teams last year, 93-80. Marshall launched 24 three pointers, making 13 of them (54.2 percent). Rice was, meanwhile, 9-30 (30.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Rice. Rice ranks 135th in the NCAA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 18.3 percent), while the pesky defense of Marshall forces the 32nd-most turnovers in the nation (22.8 percent). Moreover, the Thundering Herd, who rank 327th in offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 percent), will face off against the Owls, who rank 56th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.8 percent).
Marshall vs. Rice Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Rice ranks 77th in rebounds per game (37.4) while Marshall ranks 293rd in rebounds allowed per game (42.6).
- The Thundering Herd rank 110th in assists per game (14.1) while the Owls rank 212th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
- Marshall ranks 28th in blocks per game (4.7) while Rice ranks 104th (3.4).
- The Thundering Herd rank sixth in steals per game (9.6) while the Owls rank 193rd (4.9).
- Marshall ranks 19th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while Rice ranks 188th in three pointers allowed per game (23.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Owls have outscored opponents by an average of 0.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Rice has lost by an average of 3.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Thundering Herd have scored an average of 75.8 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 94.0 points per game (10.6 above their season average).
