Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Rice Owls Betting Prediction 01/24/19

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The Rice Owls (7-12, 2-4 CUSA) welcome the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (5-14, 2-4 CUSA) to Tudor Fieldhouse. The Blue Raiders can end a six-game road losing streak. Action gets underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 24, 2019.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Rice Owls ATS Odds

In their last game, the Owls lost a tough one against the North Texas Mean Green, 76-75, while the Blue Raiders barely escaped the UTEP Miners, 75-72.

Middle Tennessee played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 15.6 (better than their season average of 21.6) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.2 (above their season average of 30.7). UTEP recorded marks of 25.3 and 29.6, respectively, for those same stats. Rice, meanwhile, held North Texas to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.5 (below their season average of 34.5). Rice received a boost from Jack Williams, who put up 20 points and 10 rebounds. Reggie Scurry had a good game for Middle Tennessee, finishing with 19 points and nine rebounds.

The Blue Raiders won the sole game between these two teams last year, 94-75. The Blue Raiders’ 11.9 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Owls, who had a mark of 16.9. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.

Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders at Rice Owls Pick

Free Prediction: SU Winner – Middle Tennessee, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Rice ranks 49th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Middle Tennessee ranks 260th (18.1).
  • The Owls rank 44th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Blue Raiders rank 93rd (3.4).
  • The Owls rank 131st in assists per game (13.6) while the Blue Raiders rank 248th (10.5).
  • Middle Tennessee averages 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 73rd in the NCAA. Rice ranks 180th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (1.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.4 points per game (5.8 below their season average).
  • The Blue Raiders’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.0, down from 9.1 for the season.