Rice Owls vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Prediction 01/02/20

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Expect a fast-paced game when the Rice Owls (8-5) visit Marshall to take on the Thundering Herd (6-7). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 2, 2020.

Rice Owls vs. Marshall Thundering Herd Betting Odds

In their last matchup, the Thundering Herd dismantled the Duquesne Dukes, 83-61, while the Owls fell to the Sam Houston State Bearkats, 75-61.

The Thundering Herd, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.501, had a solid mark of 0.574 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 38.2 (above their season average of 29.5). Rice, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (14-20; 70.0 percent). Jarrod West played well for Marshall, putting up 22 points and six assists. Rice rallied around Payton Moore, who had 11 points.

This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Thundering Herd won the most recent contest 82-65. Marshall’s 0.652 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Rice, who had a mark of 0.433. This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.

There should be plenty of transition offense in this showdown that features a pair of the NCAA’s more up-and-down teams. Marshall ranks 13th in possessions per game (76.5) and Rice is 46th (73.3).

Rice vs. Marshall Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Marshall, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Rice averages 38.2 rebounds per game, which ranks 73rd in the country. Marshall ranks 259th in rebounds allowed per game (40.4).
  • The Owls rank 11th in three pointers attempted per game (29.0) while the Thundering Herd rank 111th (23.2).
  • The Thundering Herd rank fourth in blocks per game (6.7) while the Owls rank 127th (2.8).
  • Marshall ranks 13th in steals per game (9.8) while Rice ranks 121st (6.5).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.2 points per game (0.7 above their season average).
  • The Thundering Herd’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.0, up from 4.3 for the season.