Charlotte 49ers vs Rice Owls Pick – 3/12/2025

The Charlotte 49ers and Rice Owls are set to clash in the first round of the American Athletic Conference Tournament on March 12, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time at UNT Coliseum in Denton, Texas. Both teams are aiming to break their respective losing streaks and advance in the tournament.

Charlotte 49ers vs. Rice Owls Game Preview

The 13th-seeded Charlotte 49ers enter the tournament with a 10-21 overall record and a 3-15 mark in conference play. They are currently on a four-game losing streak, with their most recent defeat being an 83-80 loss at home to the UTSA Roadrunners. The 49ers have struggled defensively, allowing opponents to shoot 52.6% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc in that game.

Offensively, Charlotte averages 71.1 points per game, shooting 42.4% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range. They have a free-throw percentage of 75.2%. Junior guard Nik Graves leads the team with 17.6 points per game, along with 4.1 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The 49ers rank 308th nationally in total rebounding rate at 47.2%.

On the defensive end, Charlotte concedes 75.3 points per game, with opponents shooting 48.7% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range.

The 12th-seeded Rice Owls hold a 13-18 overall record and a 4-14 conference record. They are on a three-game losing streak, most recently falling 63-59 at home to the Wichita State Shockers. In that game, Rice was outrebounded 46-36, highlighting their struggles on the boards.

Rice averages 70.6 points per game, shooting 42.1% from the field and 33.5% from three-point range, with a free-throw percentage of 68.3%. They rank 82nd nationally in total rebounding percentage at 52.1%. The Owls' offense is led by guard Trae Broadnax, who averages 12.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game.

Defensively, Rice allows 70.5 points per game, with opponents shooting 41.9% from the field and 32.4% from beyond the arc.

Betting Insights

According to current betting lines, Rice is favored by 3.5 points, with a moneyline of -175, while Charlotte's moneyline is +145. The total points line is set at 138.5, with both the over and under options available at -110.

Betting Trends

• The total has gone over 137.5 points in all of Charlotte's last five games and in eight of their last ten games.
• The total has gone over 137.5 points in six of Rice's last ten games.
• Charlotte has covered the spread in four of their last ten games.
• Rice has covered the spread in two of their last ten games.

Charlotte 49ers vs. Rice Owls Prediction

Both teams have struggled recently, but Rice's superior rebounding and slightly better defensive metrics give them an edge. Additionally, the Owls have a more balanced scoring attack, which could prove beneficial in a tournament setting. Considering these factors, the prediction is that Rice will cover the 3.5-point spread and the total points will go over 138.5.

Final Score Prediction: Rice Owls 75, Charlotte 49ers 67