Halftime Report

Only one more half stands between Tulsa and the win they were favored to collect coming into this afternoon. They have jumped out to a quick 36-32 lead against Rice.

If Tulsa keeps playing like this, they’ll bump their record up to 7-7 in no time. On the other hand, Rice will have to make due with a 9-5 record unless they turn things around (and fast).

Who’s Playing

Rice Owls @ Tulsa Golden Hurricane

Current Records: Rice 9-4, Tulsa 6-7

How To Watch

What to Know

Rice has enjoyed a three-game homestand but will soon have to dust off their road jerseys. They and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane will face off in an American Athletic battle at 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Donald W. Reynolds Center. The matchup will give the Owls their first taste of in-conferenceaction this season.

Rice is headed into this one after the oddsmakers set last week’s over/under low at 156, but even that wound up being too high. The stars were shining brightly for them in a 64-46 win over Prairie View last Sunday. The Owls’ season wasn’t pretty last year but it’s starting to look like struggles are in the rearview.

Rice can attribute much of their success to Trae Broadnax, who dropped a double-double on 13 points and ten rebounds, and Andrew Akuchie, who almost dropped a double-double on 14 points and nine rebounds. What’s more, Akuchie also racked up four offensive rebounds, the most he’s had since back in February of 2024.

Rice smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 21 offensive rebounds. That’s the most offensive rebounds they’ve managed all season.

Meanwhile, Tulsa blew past SW Christian, posting a 96-63 victory. The Golden Hurricane have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won four games by 19 points or more this season.

Rice’s win bumped their record up to 9-4. As for Tulsa, the victory made it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 6-7.

Rebounding is likely to be a big factor in this contest: Rice has crashing the boards this season, having averaged 40.1 rebounds per game. However, it’s not like Tulsa struggles in that department as they’ve been averaging 39.2. With both teams battling to corral missed shots, we’ll see if one team can grab an edge.

Rice came up short against Tulsa in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, falling 93-82. Thankfully for Rice, PJ Haggerty (who dropped a double-double on 30 points and ten rebounds) won’t be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check CBSSports.com after the match to find out.

Odds

Tulsa is a slight 2.5-point favorite against Rice, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers were right in line with the betting community on this one, as the game opened as a 2.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

The over/under is 141.5 points.

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Series History

Tulsa has won both of the games they’ve played against Rice in the last year.

• Feb 17, 2024 – Tulsa 93 vs. Rice 82
• Jan 27, 2024 – Tulsa 85 vs. Rice 83