Who's Playing

Louisiana Tech @ Rice

Current Records: Louisiana Tech 8-6; Rice 11-3

What to Know

The Rice Owls haven't won a contest against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs since Jan. 5 of 2019, but they'll be looking to end the drought Thursday. Rice and Louisiana Tech will face off in a Conference USA battle at 8 p.m. ET at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Owls are out to keep their eight-game home win streak alive.

The Texas-El Paso Miners typically have all the answers at home, but on Saturday Rice proved too difficult a challenge. Rice managed a 72-67 victory over Texas-El Paso. Rice got double-digit scores from five players: guard Mekhi Mason (19), forward Max Fiedler (14), guard Quincy Olivari (13), guard Travis Evee (11), and guard Cameron Sheffield (11).

Meanwhile, it was close but no cigar for the Bulldogs as they fell 68-66 to the Charlotte 49ers on Saturday. Guard Cobe Williams (21 points) was the top scorer for Louisiana Tech.

Barring any buzzer beaters, Rice is expected to win a tight contest. They have been consistent moneymakers against the spread when favored (4-1), so they might be worth a quick bet.

Rice's win lifted them to 11-3 while Louisiana Tech's loss dropped them down to 8-6. In their victory, Rice relied heavily on Max Fiedler, who dropped a double-double on 15 boards and 14 points. Louisiana Tech will need to find a way to minimize his impact if they want to win.

How To Watch

  • When: Thursday at 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Tudor Fieldhouse -- Houston, Texas
  • TV: ESPN Plus
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $23.00

Odds

The Owls are a slight 2.5-point favorite against the Bulldogs, according to the latest college basketball odds.

The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Owls as a 2-point favorite.

Over/Under: -112

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Series History

Louisiana Tech have won nine out of their last 11 games against Rice.

  • Feb 24, 2022 - Louisiana Tech 83 vs. Rice 79
  • Jan 27, 2022 - Louisiana Tech 80 vs. Rice 63
  • Feb 27, 2021 - Louisiana Tech 79 vs. Rice 58
  • Feb 26, 2021 - Louisiana Tech 101 vs. Rice 57
  • Jan 16, 2020 - Louisiana Tech 72 vs. Rice 56
  • Jan 05, 2019 - Rice 78 vs. Louisiana Tech 66
  • Jan 20, 2018 - Louisiana Tech 69 vs. Rice 54
  • Feb 25, 2017 - Rice 88 vs. Louisiana Tech 81
  • Jan 19, 2017 - Louisiana Tech 74 vs. Rice 64
  • Feb 27, 2016 - Louisiana Tech 88 vs. Rice 69
  • Feb 04, 2016 - Louisiana Tech 90 vs. Rice 78