The Rice Owls (10-15, 5-7 CUSA) will be at the Ocean Bank Convocation Center to go head-to-head against the FIU Golden Panthers (14-11, 5-7 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 14, 2019.
Rice Owls at FIU Golden Panthers ATS Odds
In their last game, the Golden Panthers were beaten by the UTEP Miners, 85-75, while the Owls were victorious over the Marshall Thundering Herd, 74-69.
The Owls had an absurd free throw rate of 0.322 (above their season average of 0.267) and held the Thundering Herd to an effective field goal percentage of 0.423 (below their season average of 0.510). FIU, meanwhile, forced UTEP into a turnover percentage of 26.8 (above their season average of 20.4). FIU received a boost from Devon Andrews, who had 26 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Chris Mullins led the way for Rice, contributing 12 points and eight rebounds.
This series was highly contested last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Golden Panthers won the last game 67-64. FIU had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.500 vs. 0.390). Rice, on the other hand, did a terrific job of making free throws (18-22; 81.8 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
It could be a tough matchup for FIU on the offensive glass. The Golden Panthers are among the NCAA’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 258th in offensive rebounding percentage at 26.1 percent. Meanwhile, Rice ranks 41st in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.2 percent.
Rice Owls vs. FIU Golden Panthers ATS Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – FIU, ATS Winner – FIU, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Rice averages 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 62nd in the nation. FIU ranks 296th in rebounds allowed per game (43.6).
- The Golden Panthers average 15.3 assists per game, which ranks 53rd in the country. The Owls rank 209th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
- Rice blocks 3.4 opponent shots per game, which ranks 103rd in the nation. FIU ranks 169th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
- The Golden Panthers average 28.8 three pointers per game, which ranks seventh in the NCAA. The Owls rank 219th in three pointers allowed per game (24.3).
- FIU ranks second in steals per game (10.6) while Rice ranks 204th (5.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Golden Panthers have scored an average of 72.4 points per game (12.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 86.4 points per game (4.2 above their season average).
- The Owls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 2.7 for the season.
