The North Texas Mean Green (12-1) and the Rice Owls (5-8) clash at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Mean Green look to lengthen their eight-game winning streak. Action gets underway at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018.
North Texas Mean Green at Rice Owls ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Owls defeated the St. Leo Lions 80-64, while the Mean Green easily got past the Angelo State Rams 89-55.
North Texas played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.250 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.617. For those same stats, Angelo State recorded marks of 0.140 and 0.412, respectively. Meanwhile, Rice dominated every facet of their game. They had a free throw rate of 0.379 and a turnover percentage of 14.4. For those same stats, St. Leo was 0.196 and 25.9, respectively. Rice received a boost from Jack Williams, who contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. Umoja Gibson, meanwhile had a good game for North Texas, recording 32 points.
The Mean Green dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the last contest, North Texas won 74-70. North Texas had a much better turnover percentage (10.4 vs. 25.0). Rice, meanwhile, had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.595 vs. 0.455). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Mean Green’s Ryan Woolridge has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Williams has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Owls.
Rice might have difficulty finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the nation’s best defenses. North Texas currently ranks 20th in defensive efficiency while the Owls rank 218th in offensive efficiency.
North Texas Mean Green at Rice Owls Odds Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Texas ranks seventh in assists allowed per game (9.2) while Rice ranks 198th (15.7).
- The Mean Green rank 45th in steals per game (7.8) while the Owls rank 138th (5.6).
- Rice ranks 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while North Texas ranks 72nd (3.2).
- The Mean Green rank 31st in rebounds allowed per game (31.2) while the Owls rank 174th (36.8).
- North Texas ranks 42nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.8) while Rice ranks 144th (23.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 79.8 points per game (4.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (5.9 below their season average).
- The Mean Green’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 30.0, up from 17.0 for the season.
