Rice Owls vs Northwestern State Demons Betting Pick & Prediction 12/16/23

The Owls and Demons are set to face off at 3:00 ET on ESPN+. The Demons will host the game at Prather Coliseum in Natchitoches, LA. In this non-conference matchup, the Owls are the betting favorite against the Demons. The over/under for the game is 153 points.

RICE OWLS VS NORTHWESTERN STATE DEMONS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Northwestern State Demons +8.5

This game will be played at Prather Coliseum at 3:00 ET on Saturday, December 16th.

WHY BET THE NORTHWESTERN STATE DEMONS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 73-70 in favor of the Demons.
• Not only will Northwestern State pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +8.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 153 points, and we like the under with a projected 143 points.

Will Rice Secure A Victory as Road Favorites?

After playing 10 games, Rice comes into this game with a 4-6 overall record. In their last 10 road games, including those from last year, Rice has gone 2-8. When it comes to ATS, Rice has a subpar record of 3-6, falling below the .500 mark. Away from home, Rice is 1-2 vs. the spread in the current season and 5-5 in their previous ten road games.

After 10 games, Rice has an over/under record of 4-4-1, with their games averaging a combined 151.8 points per game so far. When looking at the Owls’ last three games, their over/under record is 0-3, with their games averaging 123 points per game.

In their most recent game, the Rice offense concluded with only 39 points against Houston. Throughout the game, they made 5/21 three-point attempts and had a field goal percentage of 28.9%. Alem Huseinovic led the team in scoring, putting up 10 points. Additionally, Keanu Dawes contributed 7 points for the Owls.

The Owls’ defense is presently ranked 215th nationally, allowing an average of 77.0 points per contest. In their previous game vs. Houston, the Cougars finished with a field goal percentage of 47% and a total of 75 points vs. Rice.

Can Northwestern State Grab a Win at Home?

After 10 games, Northwestern State has a 1-9 record. In their previous three games at home, including last year, Northwestern State has a 1-2 record. Prior to today’s game, Northwestern State holds a 5-4 ATS record. Their ATS performance for the season consists of 5-2 on the road and 0-2 at home.

So far, Northwestern State’s games have averaged 150.7 points per game with the average over/under line being 148.2 points. In their most recent three games, the Demons’ over/under record is 2-1, with their games averaging 145 points per game.

In their latest game, Northwestern State offense put up 54 points against Boise State. They recorded an overall field goal percentage of 37.5% and made 10 threes. On offense, Northwestern State has been struggling with their efficiency, coming into today’s game with a field goal percentgage of 40%. So far, they are 236th in free-throws made on a free throw shooting percentage of 67%.

Currently, the Demons’ defense holds the 234th rank in the nation, allowing 79.9 points per game. Northwestern State’s defense is coming off a game in which they allowed the Boise State offense to knock down 59% of their shots on their way to putting up 95 points.