UTSA Roadrunners vs Rice Owls NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/14/25
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Roadrunners versus the Owls? Tip off is at at 8:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN+. The game will be played at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, TX. The over/under for this game is set at 146.5 points, and Rice is favored by -5.5 vs. UTSA in a American Athletic conference matchup.
UTSA ROADRUNNERS VS RICE OWLS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Rice Owls -5.5
This game will be played at Tudor Fieldhouse at 8:00 ET on Tuesday, January 14th.
WHY BET THE RICE OWLS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 78-69 in favor of the Owls.
- Not only will Rice pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 146.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.
Does UTSA Have a Shot at a Road Win?
The Roadrunners improved to 5-8 on the season with an 88-75 home win over Wichita State on Saturday. UTSA entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs but not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
UTSA jumped out to a 47-32 lead at halftime, but the Shockers outscored them 43-41 in the 2nd half. The game’s total points of 163 surpassed the O/U line of 160.5.
UTSA’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 88 points with a 52.5% field goal percentage. They were particularly effective from beyond the arc, hitting 50% of their threes (15/30) and posting an effective field goal percentage of 65.6%. The Roadrunners also dished out 20 assists in the win.
Xavier Bell led the way with 23 points, shooting 60% from the field and 75% from three-point range. Quincy Ballard was nearly perfect, hitting 11 of 12 shots for 22 points, while Marcus Millender and Damari Monsanto each hit 5 threes, with Monsanto connecting at a 71.4% rate.
UTSA’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 75 points on 52% shooting from the field. They allowed 32 made field goals on 61 attempts.
From beyond the arc, the Roadrunners gave up 15 threes on 30 attempts, a 50% shooting performance. They also sent the opposing team to the line 14 times, where they made 9 free throws.
Can the Owls Deliver Being Favored at Home?
Rice’s season record fell to 11-5 after a 73-70 loss to Temple on Saturday. The Owls were slight favorites at -1 but couldn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 143, just over the pre-game O/U line of 141.5.
Rice trailed 35-31 at halftime but put up 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 38. Despite the strong 2nd half, they couldn’t complete the comeback.
Rice’s offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 40.3% from the field and 28.6% from beyond the arc, finishing with an effective field goal percentage of 44.4%. They also hit only 50% of their free throws, going 6-for-12 from the line.
Jamal Mashburn Jr. led the Owls with 24 points, despite shooting 34.8% overall. Andrew Akuchie was efficient, hitting 7 of 10 shots for 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Trae Broadnax added 13 points and 5 assists, though he shot just 27.8% from the field.
Rice gave up 73 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 40% from the field on 29 of 72 attempts. Inside the arc, they allowed 23 makes on 51 attempts, a 45% shooting rate.
From three-point range, Rice held their opponents to 28% shooting, with 6 made threes on 21 attempts. They also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 12 times, where they converted 6 shots for 50%.