Rice Owls at UTEP Miners Free Prediction 02/23/19

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The Rice Owls (10-17, 5-9 CUSA) will be at the Don Haskins Center to go head-to-head with the UTEP Miners (8-17, 3-11 CUSA) in a CUSA matchup. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019.

Rice Owls at UTEP Miners ATS Odds

Both teams got blown out in their last matchup. The Miners fell to the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 77-47, while the Owls were defeated by the Florida Atlantic Owls, 60-41.

Rice held Florida Atlantic to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.3 (below their season average of 31.6) while UTEP had an offensive rebounding percentage of 34.1 (above their season average of 28.1). Efe Odigie fueled UTEP with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, Rice received a boost from Ako Adams, who contributed nine points and five rebounds.

In their first matchup this year, Jordan Lathon led the Miners to a 65-64 win. He put up 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists. UTEP had a better effective field goal percentage (0.518 vs. 0.475). Rice, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.6 vs. 22.9).

Second-chance points might be rare for UTEP in this meeting. The Miners are among the nation’s elite on the offensive glass, ranking 188th in offensive rebounding percentage at 28.4 percent. Meanwhile, Rice ranks 31st in the country at corralling defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 75.5 percent.

Rice Owls at UTEP Miners Betting Pick

College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Rice, ATS Winner – Rice, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • UTEP averages 37.0 rebounds per game, which ranks 90th in the country. Rice ranks 214th in rebounds allowed per game (36.2).
  • The Owls rank 102nd in blocks per game (3.4) while the Miners rank 119th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
  • The Owls rank 152nd in assists per game (13.3) while the Miners rank 253rd (10.8).
  • Rice ranks 58th in three pointers attempted per game (25.3) while UTEP ranks 102nd in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Miners’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 12.8, up from 4.4 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.4 points per game (0.7 below their season average).