Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Northwestern State vs Rice NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Houston.
Northwestern State vs Rice Prediction
Looking to win big? The Demons and Owls face off at 3:00 ET on ESPN+. The Owls are hosting the game at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, TX. The over/under line for this matchup is currently at 141.5 points, and Rice is favored by -9 at home against Northwestern State.
Northwestern State vs. Rice Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Northwestern State Demons at Rice Owls
- Where: Houston at Tudor Fieldhouse
- Date: Saturday, November 16th
- Betting Odds RICE -9, NWST +330 | RICE -425 O/U 141.5
Demons Preview: Do the Demons Have a Shot at a Win at Houston?
Northwestern State dropped their season opener to Oklahoma on Monday, losing 73-57 on the road. Despite being +25.5 point underdogs, the Demons kept it closer than expected, covering the spread. The game’s total points of 130 fell short of the 147.5 O/U line.
Northwestern State led 34-28 at halftime but struggled in the second half, scoring just 23 points while allowing 45.
Demons Offense Breakdown
Northwestern State struggled from beyond the arc in their last game, hitting just 4 of 17 threes for a 23.5% shooting percentage. However, they found more success inside, connecting on 57.6% of their two-point attempts and finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 46%.
Jalon Moore led the way with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Micah Thomas added 20 points, hitting 4 of 9 from deep. The Demons managed just 7 assists as a team and grabbed only 6 offensive rebounds in the game.
Demons Team Defense
Northwestern State gave up 73 points in their last game, with opponents shooting 43% from the field on 25 of 58 attempts. The Demons allowed 51% shooting on two-point shots, with the other team hitting 19 of 37.
From beyond the arc, Northwestern State's defense held their opponents to 28% shooting, as they made 6 of 21 three-point attempts. The Demons also sent the other team to the free-throw line 22 times, where they converted 17 for 77%. Northwestern State allowed 10 offensive rebounds.
Owls Preview: Can the Owls Pull Off a Home Win?
The Owls picked up a 66-50 win over the Warhawks on Tuesday, November 12th. Playing at home, Rice entered the game as -11 favorites and covered the spread with the victory.
Rice led 27-21 at halftime and pulled away in the 2nd half, outscoring ULM 39-29. The game’s total points of 116 fell well short of the 145.5 O/U line.
Owls Offense Breakdown
Rice struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 37.5% from the field and 34.5% from three-point range, finishing with 66 points. Their effective field goal percentage was 46.4%, and they hit 14 of 21 free throws, good for 66.7%.
Alem Huseinovic led the way with 15 points, knocking down 4 of 6 threes, while Trae Broadnax added 14 points and 7 assists, hitting both of his three-point attempts. Rice also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and dished out 15 assists as a team.
Owls Team Defense
Rice's defense was solid, holding their opponent to just 50 points on 37% shooting from the field. They limited two-point opportunities, with the other team hitting only 11 of 27 shots for 40%.
From beyond the arc, Rice allowed 10 threes on 29 attempts, a 34% rate. They also sent the other team to the line 21 times, where they converted 14 free throws for 66%.
Demons vs Owls Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- When looking at their past ten road matchups, Northwestern State has an ATS record of 7-3 while averaging 71 per game. The team went 3-7 overall in these games.
- When looking at their past five home matchups, Rice has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 77 per game. The team went 1-4 overall in these games.
- Spanning across their last ten games as the betting underdog, the Demons have gone 5-5 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 1-9.
- Through their last three games as the favorite, the Owls have an ATS record of 2-1 and a straight up mark of 2-1.
Northwestern State vs Rice Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Rice -9 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.