The Rice Owls (4-7) head to UTRGV Fieldhouse to meet the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (7-5). The Owls will attempt to end a five-game road losing streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Rice Owls at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Vaqueros defeated the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions 91-84, while the Owls beat the St. Leo Lions 80-64.
Rice dominated every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.379 and a turnover percentage of 14.4. St. Leo recorded marks of 0.196 and 25.9, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, UT Rio Grande Valley’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Texas A&M-Commerce. The Vaqueros had a rate of 6.5, while the Lions posted a mark of 21.6. UT Rio Grande Valley rallied around Terry Winn III, who finished with 18 points and six rebounds. Jack Williams, meanwhile had a good outing for Rice, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Vaqueros won the sole contest between these two teams last year, 69-67. UT Rio Grande Valley’s 0.508 effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Rice, who had a mark of 0.442. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Owls’ Williams has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Lesley Varner II has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Vaqueros.
The physical UT Rio Grande Valley offense seems poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Vaqueros rank 37th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.295, while Rice ranks 253rd in FTA rate allowed (0.256).
Rice Owls vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Betting Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Rice ranks 50th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 230th (19.4).
- The Owls average 36.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 139th in the NCAA. The Vaqueros rank 258th in rebounds allowed per game (42.1).
- UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 156th in assists per game (12.9) while Rice ranks 209th in assists allowed per game (15.5).
- The Vaqueros rank fourth in steals per game (9.8) while the Owls rank 144th (5.7).
- Rice ranks 33rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 152nd (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Owls have outscored opponents by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Rice has lost by an average of 4.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Vaqueros have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (6.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 74.0 points per game (4.7 above their season average).
