The Rice Owls look for an upset and a third straight win. The Houston Cougars look for a ninth victory to remain undefeated on the year. Let’s preview this game and give out a Rice Owls vs Houston Cougars prediction.

Rice Owls Betting Preview 

After a 1-5 start, the Rice Owls are coming off wins over UT Martin and Houston Christian. The Rice Owls are averaging 77 points on 43.8 percent shooting and allowing 79.5 points on 46.9 percent shooting. Travis Evee is averaging 17 points and 3.4 rebounds, while Mekhi Mason is averaging 13.6 points and 4 rebounds. Max Fielder is grabbing 9.4 rebounds and Anthony Selden is dishing 0.7 assists. The Rice Owls are shooting 31.1 percent from beyond the arc and 69.4 percent from the free throw line. The Rice Owls are allowing 36.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33.1 rebounds per game.

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Houston Cougars Betting Preview 

The Houston Cougars are coming off recent wins over Xavier, Montana, and Dayton. The Houston Cougars are averaging 75 points on 43.3 percent shooting and allowing 50.4 points on 34.9 percent shooting. LJ Cryer is averaging 17.8 points 2.8 rebounds, while Emanuel Sharp is averaging 11.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. Jamal Shead is dishing 6 assists and J’Wan Roberts is grabbing 8.3 rebounds. The Houston Cougars are shooting 34.2 percent from beyond the arc and 64.2 percent from the free throw line. The Houston Cougars are allowing 27.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 38.4 rebounds per game.

Rice vs Houston prediction

The Rice Owls haven’t played good ball up to this point, and recent wins over UT Martin and Houston Christian don’t move the needle much. Rice is also just 2-5 ATS on the season. The Houston Cougars are the far more talented team and their defense is elite, as they’re first in points allowed and second in field goal percentage allowed. Big number, but it’s nothing Houston can’t take care of. Give me Houston in a home blowout.