Alcorn State Braves vs Rice Owls Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Alcorn State vs Rice NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Houston.

Alcorn State vs Rice Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Braves and Owls. The game is starting at 8:00 ET on ESPN+, and it's hosted by the Owls at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, TX. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this non-conference contest is set at 134.5 points, with Rice being favored by -18 over Alcorn State.

Alcorn State vs. Rice Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Alcorn State Braves at Rice Owls
Where: Houston at Tudor Fieldhouse
Date: Monday, December 16th
Betting Odds RICE -18, ALCST +1085 | RICE -2342 O/U 134.5

Braves Preview: Do the Braves Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?

Alcorn State Braves Recent Game/Games

Alcorn State fell to 0-10 on the season after a 94-78 loss to Oklahoma on Saturday. The Braves, who were +32 point underdogs, managed to keep the game closer than expected.

After trailing 49-41 at halftime, Alcorn State scored 37 points in the 2nd half while allowing 45. The game’s total points of 172 went over the O/U line of 138.5.

Braves Offense Breakdown

Alcorn State's offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, shooting 52.6% from the field and hitting 50% of their threes (10/20). Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.4%, and they dished out 19 assists as a team.

Jalon Moore led the way with 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting, while Omari Hamilton knocked down 4-of-5 threes, finishing with 16 points. Jeremiah Fears, Dayton Forsythe, and Davian Williams each contributed 7 assists, with Forsythe and Williams also adding 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Braves Team Defense

Alcorn State's defense struggled, giving up 94 points on 54% shooting from the field. They allowed 23 two-point baskets on 27 attempts, an 85% success rate for their opponent.

From beyond the arc, Alcorn State's opponent hit 12 of 37 threes, shooting 32%. They also sent them to the line 14 times, where they converted 12 free throws at an 85% clip. Alcorn State gave up 10 offensive rebounds.

Owls Preview: Are the Owls Ready for a Home Win?

Rice fell to 7-3 on the season after a 75-66 loss to Texas State on Sunday. The Owls entered the game as +6.5 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 141, surpassing the O/U line of 134.

Rice trailed 35-31 at halftime and couldn’t close the gap in the 2nd half, as they scored 35 points but allowed 40.

Owls Offense Breakdown

Rice's offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 40% overall and 27.8% from three-point range, hitting 5 of 18 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.6%, and they made 17 of 25 free throws, good for 68%.

Tyrel Morgan led the way with 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 50% from the field. Caden Powell was efficient, hitting 5 of 6 shots for 14 points, while Drue Drinnon was perfect from the field, going 4 for 4, including 3 for 3 from beyond the arc.

Owls Team Defense

Rice's defense couldn't hold the line, giving up 75 points on 46% shooting from the field. They allowed 18 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, with the opposing team shooting 47% from inside the arc.

From three-point range, Rice allowed 7 threes on 16 attempts, with the other team shooting 43%. They also sent the opponent to the free-throw line 20 times, where they hit 18 free throws at a 90% clip. Rice gave up 13 offensive rebounds in the game.

Braves vs Owls Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Alcorn State has a 0-3 record in their last three road games. In this stretch, they averaged 63 points per game while allowing 89. The team also performed well vs the spread at 2-1.
Although Rice has a straight up record of 3-2 in their last five home games, they have not held up as well vs. the spread going 2-3. The team averaged 73 points per game in these games.
Looking back on the team's last three games as the underdog, the Braves have a straight up record of 0-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-1.
In their last five games as the betting favorite, the Owls have a straight up record of 5-0, while going 2-3 against the spread.