It will be a battle between CUSA opponents when the Charlotte 49ers (5-15, 2-7 CUSA) welcome the Rice Owls (8-13, 3-5 CUSA) to Dale F. Halton Arena. The game is scheduled to get underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 31, 2019.
Rice Owls vs. Charlotte 49ers Free Prediction
The last time the Owls played, they were beaten by the UAB Blazers, 89-86. UAB’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Rice. The Blazers had a rate of 3.9 (better than their season average of 16.5), while the Owls posted a mark of 16.6. Trey Murphy III led Rice in scoring with 24 points on 5-for-8 shooting.
The 49ers lost to the UTEP Miners in their last outing, 57-53. Getting to the free throw line was one of UTEP’s largest strengths. They made 27 trips to the line, while Charlotte went just 13 times. Jon Davis put together a good performance for Charlotte, leading both teams in scoring with 23 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
Second-chance points could be scarce for Charlotte in this matchup. The 49ers currently rank 344th in offensive rebounding percentage (21.7 percent), while Rice ranks 65th in defensive rebounding percentage (74.6 percent). Moreover, the Owls, who rank 55th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.276), could get to the line a ton against the 49ers, who rank 266th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.253).
After the Owls won the only contest against the 49ers last season, 73-64, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Owls knocked down 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (17.0 vs. 21.5).
Rice Owls at Charlotte 49ers Odds Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Rice ranks 55th in three pointers attempted per game (25.8) while Charlotte ranks 235th (19.8).
The Owls rank 92nd in rebounds per game (37.1) while the 49ers rank 269th (31.3).
Rice ranks 125th in assists per game (13.7) while Charlotte ranks 256th (9.2).
The Owls rank 49th in blocks allowed per game (2.8) while the 49ers rank 153rd (4.2).
Bettings Trends:
The Owls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.0, down from 3.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the 49ers have scored an average of 56.2 points per game (0.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (0.3 above their season average).
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