The North Texas Mean Green (11-8, 5-1 CUSA) and the Rice Owls (9-10, 1-5 CUSA) battle at The Super Pit. The Mean Green look to lengthen their five-game winning streak. Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020.
Rice Owls at North Texas Mean Green Betting Odds
In their last matchup, the Mean Green barely escaped the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, 51-50, while the Owls were beaten by the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, 81-68.
The Mean Green made 10 of their 11 free throws (90.9 percent), while the Bulldogs had a turnover percentage of 24.0 (above their season average of 14.5). Rice, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 17.6). North Texas was lifted by Zachary Simmons, who finished with 12 points. Trey Murphy III played a pivotal role for Rice with 19 points and five rebounds.
The Mean Green dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last game, North Texas won 76-75. The Mean Green’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Owls. North Texas had a rate of 12.5, while Rice posted a mark of 22.0. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Looking at effective field goal percentage, North Texas should have a noteworthy edge. The upper-echelon Mean Green offense ranks 17th in the NCAA in that metric at 0.552, while the suspect Rice defense is ranked 258th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.507). Contrasting paces will be on display in this battle. The fast-breaking Owls rank 50th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Mean Green rank 338th.
Rice Owls at North Texas Mean Green Pick
Free Prediction: SU Winner – North Texas, ATS Winner – North Texas, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Texas ranks second in rebounds allowed per game (28.0) while Rice ranks 240th (38.1).
- The Owls rank 139th in steals per game (6.3) while the Mean Green rank 174th in steals allowed per game (7.6).
- The 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).
Bettings Trends:
- The Mean Green’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, up from 8.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Owls have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.0 points per game (1.1 above their season average).
