The Rice Owls (4-7) will attempt to end their five-game road losing streak in a matchup against the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (7-5) at UTRGV Fieldhouse. The game is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 18, 2018.
Rice Owls at UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros Free Prediction
In the Owls’ last game, they beat the St. Leo Lions, 80-64. The Owls 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 led by Jack Williams, who contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Vaqueros defeated the Texas A&M-Commerce Lions in their last matchup, 91-84. UT Rio Grande Valley’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Texas A&M-Commerce. The Vaqueros had a rate of 6.5, while the Lions posted a mark of 21.6. With 18 points and six rebounds, Terry Winn III played well for UT Rio Grande Valley.
After the Vaqueros won the sole contest against the Owls last season, 69-67, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. UT Rio Grande Valley had a better effective field goal percentage (0.508 vs. 0.442). Rice, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.404 vs. 0.115).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Williams (0 points) has been stellar for the Owls while Lesley Varner II (0 points) has made great contributions to the Vaqueros.
The physical UT Rio Grande Valley offense looks poised to dominate from the charity stripe. The Vaqueros rank 37th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.295, while Rice is among the NCAA’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 253rd-ranked FTA rate of 0.256).
Rice vs. UT Rio Grande Valley Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UT Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Rice ranks 50th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while UT Rio Grande Valley ranks 230th (19.4).
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).
The Owls rank 139th in rebounds per game (36.0) while 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).
Bettings Trends:
The Owls have outscored opponents by an average of 6.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Rice has been defeated 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).
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