Who's Playing

Western Kentucky @ Rice

Current Records: Western Kentucky 14-12; Rice 16-10

What to Know

The Western Kentucky Hilltoppers and the Rice Owls are set to square off in a Conference USA matchup at 8 p.m. ET Feb. 18 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Given that these two teams suffered a loss in their last game, they both have a little extra motivation heading into this matchup.

It was close but no cigar for WKU as they fell 68-64 to the Charlotte 49ers on Thursday. The loss was just more heartbreak for the Hilltoppers, who fell 75-71 when the teams previously met last month. One thing holding WKU back was the mediocre play of forward Jairus Hamilton, who did not have his best game: he played for 34 minutes but put up just six points on 3-for-11 shooting.

Meanwhile, Rice was within striking distance but couldn't close the gap on Thursday as they fell 84-79 to the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners. What made the defeat an especially bitter pill for Rice to swallow was that they had been favored by 11.5 points coming into the game. Guard Mekhi Mason put forth a good effort for the losing side as he had 20 points along with seven boards.

WKU was close but no cigar in the teams' previous meeting last December as they fell 81-78 to the Owls. Can the Hilltoppers avenge their defeat, or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll soon find out.

How To Watch

  • When: Saturday at 8 p.m. ET
  • Where: Tudor Fieldhouse -- Houston, Texas
  • TV: ESPN Plus
  • Follow: CBS Sports App
  • Ticket Cost: $25.20

Odds

The Owls are a slight 1.5-point favorite against the Hilltoppers, 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 1.5-point spread, and stayed right there.

Over/Under: -110

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Series History

Western Kentucky have won seven out of their last nine games against Rice.

  • Dec 29, 2022 - Rice 81 vs. Western Kentucky 78
  • Jan 13, 2022 - Western Kentucky 80 vs. Rice 66
  • Feb 13, 2021 - Western Kentucky 89 vs. Rice 66
  • Feb 12, 2021 - Western Kentucky 77 vs. Rice 71
  • Jan 04, 2020 - Western Kentucky 68 vs. Rice 61
  • Feb 07, 2019 - Western Kentucky 92 vs. Rice 85
  • Feb 17, 2018 - Western Kentucky 85 vs. Rice 66
  • Mar 04, 2017 - Western Kentucky 79 vs. Rice 72
  • Jan 14, 2016 - Rice 83 vs. Western Kentucky 73