The Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (3-6) travel to Rice to play the Owls (2-5) in a game that will likely be up-tempo. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. Rice Owls Odds Preview
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The last time the Vaqueros played, they lost big to the No. 9 Texas A&M Aggies, 78-60. Nick Dixon had a good performance for Texas-Rio Grande Valley, leading the team in scoring with 13 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Texas A&M had a free throw rate of 0.327 (above their season average of 0.229). Texas-Rio Grande Valley, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 10.6 (better than their season average of 18.2).
The Owls are hoping for a better outcome after their 69-49 loss to the UT Arlington Mavericks in their last game. Ako Adams was Rice’s leading scorer with 15 points on 5-for-13 shooting. UT Arlington held the Owls to an effective field goal percentage of 0.321 (below their season average of 0.456). Rice, on the other hand, had a much better free throw rate (0.283 vs. 0.175).
There should be plenty of transition offense in this meeting that showcases a pair of the nation’s more up-tempo teams. Rice ranks 23rd in possessions per game (74.0) and Texas-Rio Grande Valley is fourth (77.4) since the 2016-17 season. ,
Texas-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros at Rice Owls ATS Prediction
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Predictions: SU Winner – Texas-Rio Grande Valley, ATS Winner – Texas-Rio Grande Valley, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Owls average 13.6 assists per game, which ranks 164th in the NCAA. The Vaqueros rank 301st in assists allowed per game (16.0).
- Rice allows the 27th-fewest blocks per game (2.6) while Texas-Rio Grande Valley ranks 41st (2.8).
- Rice ranks 59th in rebounds per game (38.2) while Texas-Rio Grande Valley ranks 316th in rebounds allowed per game (39.9).
- The Vaqueros average 7.8 steals per game, which ranks 25th in the nation. The Owls rank 255th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
- Texas-Rio Grande Valley averages 25.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 35th in the nation. Rice ranks 176th in three pointers allowed per game (21.4).
