Expect a low-scoring game when the Rice Owls (5-10) and North Texas Mean Green (6-9) face off at The Super Pit. Action begins at 2:00 pm ET on Saturday, Jan. 9.
The Mean Green are hoping to rebound after their 84-75 loss to UTEP in their last matchup. Despite the loss, Jeremy Combs earned his fourth double-double this season with 20 points and 19 rebounds. The Owls, meanwhile, are feeling some disappointment after their 85-80 loss against Texas San Antonio in their last game. Marcus Evans led the team in scoring with 23 points.
Over the last five games, Deckie Johnson has taken his game to another level for the Mean Green, averaging 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 3.2 three-pointers.
The attacking Rice offense may see plenty of chances from the free throw line in this one. It ranks 28th in the nation at getting to the stripe (FTA rate of 45.0), while North Texas gets whistled quite a bit (giving up a 302nd-ranked FTA rate of 42.9).
Notes
The North Texas Mean Green average 73.7 possessions and 1.047 points per possession in games this season. The Rice Owls average fewer possessions with 71.2, as well as fewer points per possession with 1.042.
North Texas has an average effective field goal percentage of 53.0%. Rice is an underachieving 1-8 when opponents have a similar or higher effective field goal percentage.
On average, North Texas attempts 18.0 three pointers and Rice attempts 22.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the North Texas Mean Green are even at 2-2 while the Rice Owls have a losing 3-9 record.
North Texas has forced an average turnover percentage of 17.5% this season. Rice has an abysmal 2-6 record when its TO% is 17.5% or higher.
