The Rice Owls (2-1) will travel to the Health & PE Center to square off against the Houston Cougars (1-0). The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, and will air on ESPN 3.
Rice Owls vs. Houston Cougars ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Cougars had no trouble getting past the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 101-54, while the Owls beat the Alabama A&M Bulldogs 73-59.
The Owls had a much better free throw rate (0.295 vs. 0.125) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.682 vs. 0.398). The Cougars, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.197 vs. 0.056) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 12.1). Armoni Brooks played well for Houston with 24 points. Ako Adams played well for Rice, putting up 22 points and seven rebounds.
The prolific offense of Houston will square off against the porous defense of Rice. Dating back to last season, the Cougars rank 29th in offensive efficiency, while the Owls are 258th in defensive efficiency. The Cougars should have the edge on that side of the ball.
Rice Owls at Houston Cougars Free Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Houston, ATS Winner – Houston, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- Houston ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Rice ranks 290th (16.4).
- The Cougars rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Owls rank 231st (7.1).
- Houston ranks 171st in blocks per game (3.1) while Rice ranks 254th (2.2).
- The Cougars rank 33rd in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while the Owls rank 253rd (37.0).
- Houston ranks 81st in three pointers allowed per game (20.4) while Rice ranks 292nd (25.4).
