The Harvard Crimson and Rice Owls meet Friday in college basketball action at the Tudor Fieldhouse. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Harvard Crimson Betting Preview

The Harvard Crimson look for another win after beating Massachusetts-Boston on Monday. The Harvard Crimson look for their first 2-0 start since the 2017-18 season. The Harvard Crimson are averaging 78 points on 51.6 percent shooting and allowing 50 points on 29.4 percent shooting. Thomas Batties II is averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Malik Mack is averaging 13 points and 5 rebounds. Justice Ajogbor is the third double-digit scorer and Luca Ace-Nasteski is grabbing 4 rebounds. The Harvard Crimson are shooting 29.2 percent from beyond the arc and 55.6 percent from the free throw line. The Harvard Crimson are allowing 31.3 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41 rebounds per game.

Rice Owls Betting Preview

The Rice Owls look for another win after beating St. Thomas (TX) on Tuesday. The Rice Owls look for their first 2-0 start since the 2020-21 season. The Rice Owls are averaging 101 points on 53.5 percent shooting and allowing 57 points on 36.8 percent shooting. Sam Alajiki is averaging 17 points and 3 rebounds, while Max Fiedler is averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds. Noah Shelby is the third double-digit scorer and Travis Evee is dishing 3 assists. The Rice Owls are shooting 45.2 percent from beyond the arc and 68.8 percent from the free throw line. The Rice Owls are allowing 28.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43 rebounds per game.

Randy’s Pick

Neither Harvard nor Rice played anybody in their season openers, so this game should give us a better feel for both sides. With that said, Rice was dominant on both sides of the ball and that’s the sort of performance that could have a carry over effect. Rice has some playmakers on this year’s roster and an experienced team with 4 seniors. Rice could surprise some in the American. I’ll lay the chalk with the Rice Owls.