The North Texas Mean Green (11-8, 5-1 CUSA) look to continue their five-game winning streak against the Rice Owls (9-10, 1-5 CUSA) at The Super Pit. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020.
Rice Owls vs. North Texas Mean Green ATS Prediction
The Owls are hoping for a better outcome after their 81-68 loss to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles in their last outing. Southern Miss’ 0.578 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Rice, who had a mark of 0.442. The Golden Eagles’ mark was above their season average of 0.480, while the Owls’ was below their season average of 0.508. Trey Murphy III led Rice in scoring with 19 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
In the Mean Green’s last game, they edged the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 51-50. One of North Texas’ biggest strengths was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 10-11 (90.9 percent), while the Bulldogs were just 7-11 (63.6 percent). With 12 points, North Texas’ Zachary Simmons put together a good game.
After the Mean Green won both contests against the Owls last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, North Texas won 76-75. North Texas had a much better turnover percentage (12.5 vs. 22.0). Rice, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (25.0 vs. 17.5).
Looking at effective field goal percentage, North Texas should have a substantial advantage. The elite Mean Green offense ranks 17th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.552, while the porous Rice defense is ranked 258th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.507). Opposite paces will be on display in this contest. The up-tempo Owls rank 50th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Mean Green rank 338th.
Rice vs. North Texas ATS Pick
College Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – North Texas, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
North Texas ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (28.0) while Rice ranks 240th (38.1).
The Mean Green rank 37th in three pointers allowed per game (18.7) while the Owls rank 167th (22.5).
North Texas ranks 23rd in assists allowed per game (10.1) while Rice ranks 145th (13.1).
The Owls rank 139th in steals per game (6.3) while the Mean Green rank 174th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
The Owls’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.4, up from 1.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Mean Green have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.0 points per game (5.6 below their season average).
