Rice at Houston odds, picks and predictions
The Rice Owls (3-5) pay a visit to the No. 2 Houston Cougars (8-0) Wednesday. Tip-off from Fertitta Center is set for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook's lines around the Rice vs. Houston odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
Rice has won back-to-back games after Saturday's 65-56 victory over the Houston Christian Huskies, failing to cover as a 19.5-point favorite. The Owls have been good offensively, averaging 77 points per game (PPG), but they have allowed 79.5 PPG.
Houston, the No. 2 team in the Paste BN Sports Coaches Poll, picked up a 66-60 win over the Xavier Musketeers Friday, failing to cover as an 8.5-point favorite. The Cougars' defense has been the best in the nation to start the season, allowing just 50.4 PPG while forcing 16.8 turnovers per game.
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Rice at Houston odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:58 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Rice +4000 (bet $100 to win $4000) | Houston -30000 (bet $30000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rice +28.5 (-110) | Houston -28.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 140.5 (O: +100 | U: -122)
Rice at Houston picks and predictions
Prediction
Houston 80, Rice 58
Moneyline
PASS.
Houston will pick up the win here, but a -30000 favorite is simply never worth the risk of betting on. Bet on the spread and/or O/U instead.
Against the spread
LEAN RICE +28.5 (-110).
Rice has covered ATS in 2 of its last 3 meetings with Houston and has covered as a double-digit underdog vs. the Cougars in 3 of the last 6 meetings.
Houston's poor shooting percentage from both the field and long range will be what helps the Owls keep this game within 28.5 points. The Cougars only shoot 43.4% from the floor and 23% from deep as a team.
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Over/Under
BET UNDER 140.5 (-122).
The Under hit in the last meeting between the Owls and the Cougars and hit in Rice's last game overall. The Under has also hit in each of Houston's last 3 games and is 7-1 for the Cougars on the season.
Houston's defense that allows almost nothing to opposing teams will be what forces this game Under 140.5 total points.
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