The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (11-4, 1-1 CUSA) will be at Tudor Fieldhouse to square off against the Rice Owls (6-9, 1-1 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. Action gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN 3.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs vs. Rice Owls Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Owls defeated the St. Leo Lions 80-64, while the Bulldogs beat the Wichita State Shockers 71-58.
Louisiana Tech played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.460 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.7. Wichita State was 0.204 and 22.9, respectively, for those same stats. The Owls, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.379 vs. 0.196) and had a much better turnover percentage (14.4 vs. 25.9). Rice was lifted by Jack Williams, who contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Amorie Archibald was a key piece for Louisiana Tech with 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Bulldogs won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 69-54. Louisiana Tech’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Rice. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.218, while the Owls posted a mark of 0.068. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Williams has been playing at a high level recently for Rice, averaging 0 points over the last five games.
The prolific offense of Louisiana Tech (48th in the nation with an offensive efficiency of 113.8) will battle against the porous defense of Rice (312th in the country with a defensive efficiency of 110.3). The Bulldogs should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Rice Owls Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Louisiana Tech, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Louisiana Tech averages 14.7 assists per game, which ranks 92nd in the country. Rice ranks 207th in assists allowed per game (15.7).
- The Owls rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Bulldogs rank 60th (3.1).
- The Bulldogs rank 100th in rebounds per game (37.3) while the Owls rank 185th in rebounds allowed per game (36.6).
- Rice averages 26.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 55th in the country. Louisiana Tech ranks 88th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (4.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.6, up from 8.6 for the season.
