The Rice Owls (7-10, 2-2 CUSA) will be at the Don Haskins Center to take on the UTEP Miners (5-9, 0-3 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Rice Owls vs. UTEP Miners ATS Odds
Both teams lost in their last game. The Miners fell to the North Texas Mean Green, 58-51, while the Owls were defeated by the UTSA Roadrunners, 95-79.
Rice did a great job of converting from the charity stripe (17-24; 70.8 percent) while UTEP forced North Texas into a turnover percentage of 24.1 (above their season average of 16.2). Efe Odigie had a good game for UTEP, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds. Rice, meanwhile, was led by Quentin Millora-Brown, who recorded 14 points and eight rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Owls won the most recent contest 76-70. Getting to the free throw line was one of Rice’s biggest strengths. They made 25 trips to the line, while UTEP went just eight times. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Second-chance opportunities might be few and far between for UTEP in this meeting. The Miners rank 259th in offensive rebounding percentage (26.7 percent), while Rice ranks 74th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.6 percent).
Rice at UTEP Odds Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Rice ranks 57th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while UTEP ranks 239th (19.3).
- The Miners rank 31st in assists allowed per game (10.6) while the Owls rank 208th (15.5).
- UTEP ranks 133rd in rebounds per game (36.1) while Rice ranks 171st in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Miners’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 2.1 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (0.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.4 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
