In this article, we will formulate a Memphis vs Rice prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, February 26th at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Memphis Tigers Betting Preview
The Memphis Tigers are 22-5 (12-2) this year after they defeated Florida Atlantic by a score of 84-65 in their last game. Memphis led 37-32 at halftime and added 47 points in the second half in the win. The Tigers shot 47.1% from the field, 26.3% on three-pointers, and 86.7% on free throws in the game. Dain Dainja led Memphis with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while PJ Haggerty added 22 points and six rebounds in the win.
Prior to that game, the Tigers lost to Wichita State by a score of 84-79 but did beat South Florida by a score of 80-65 before that. Memphis has won nine of their last ten games and they are currently first in the AAC standings with a 12-2 record. Memphis has scored 79.6 points per game and they have allowed 73.0 points per game, while also averaging 35.8 rebounds and 14.5 assists per game this season. PJ Haggerty is averaging 21.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, while Tyrese Hunter is averaging 14.7 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game this year. Memphis is shooting 47.3% from the field, 70.9% on free throws, and 39.6% on three-pointers this season.
Rice Owls Betting Preview
The Rice Owls are 13-15 (4-11) this season after they defeated Tulsa by a score of 71-50 in their last game. Rice led 43-28 at halftime and held Tulsa to just 22 points in the second half in the win. The Owls shot 44.8% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 57.1% on free throws in the game. Trae Broadnax led Rice with 16 points and six rebounds, while Kellen Amos added 13 points and eight rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Owls lost to UAB by a score of 90-89 and Tulane by a score of 81-78. Rice has lost four of their last five games and they are currently tied for second to last in the AAC standings with a 4-11 record. Rice has scored 71.5 points per game and they have allowed 69.8 points per game, while also averaging 38.6 rebounds and 11.9 assists per game this season. Trae Broadnax is averaging 12.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, while Caden Powell is averaging 9.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game. Rice is shooting 42.6% from the field, 68.5% on free throws, and 34.8% on three-pointers this season.
Why Memphis will beat Rice
- Memphis has won each of its last 12 games against the American Athletic Conference at FedExForum.
- Rice has lost nine of its last 10 night games against the American Athletic Conference.
- Rice has lost the first half in each of its last four games against AP-ranked opponents.
Why Rice will beat Memphis
- The road team has won each of the last three games between Rice and Memphis.
- Rice has won the first half in four of its last five road games against the American Athletic Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Memphis’ last four home games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 149+ points.
- Each of Rice’s last four road night games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 140 or fewer points.
Memphis vs Rice Prediction
Memphis comes into this matchup ranked #18 in the country and they will be at home for this game. The Tigers are currently leading the AAC standings, but North Texas and UAB are right behind them. Memphis is shooting 47.3% from the field this year and they have scored at least 80 points in four of their last five games. Rice was able to get back into the win column against Tulsa in their last game, but they are shooting just 42.6% from the field. The Owls have allowed at least 78 points in three of their last five games, but they did play Memphis tight in their first game, losing by a score of 86-83. This Memphis offense is rolling right now and I don’t really trust either defense, so give me the over here.