Rice Owls vs North Texas Mean Green
Thursday, March 5, 2026
Matchup Analysis
This NCAAB matchup features Rice Owls (12-17 (7-8)) traveling to take on North Texas Mean Green (17-13 (11-5)) at The Super Pit, Denton, TX. The North Texas hold a clear statistical edge this season, outperforming the Rice by 4.7 points per game in scoring margin. That differential will be a key factor in this matchup.
North Texas averages 70.7 points per game, but they face a Rice defense that holds opponents to 75.1 PPG. The visitors' defensive prowess could limit the home team's scoring output. The Rice offense puts up 74.2 PPG and faces a North Texas defense allowing 66.9 PPG. The visitors have the offensive firepower to stay in this one.
Home court advantage is worth approximately 3.5 points in NCAAB, and North Texas will look to leverage their home crowd. Our model projects North Texas to win by approximately 4.9 points. The 68% confidence interval ranges from North Texas winning by 18 to losing by 8.
The market has this game at -7.5, but our model sees value on Rice with a 2.6-point edge. Our line: North Texas -4.9. Combined with the total projection of 145 versus the market line of 139.5, there are opportunities to find value on both sides of this matchup.
Team Comparison
RICE Rice
Stat
UNT North Texas
12-17 (7-8)
Record
17-13 (11-5)
Last 10
74.2
PPG
70.7
75.1
Opp PPG
66.9
Current Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICE Rice Owls | +270 | +7.5 | O 139.5 |
| UNT North Texas Mean Green | -340 | -7.5 | U 139.5 |
Source: Draft Kings Updated: Mar 4, 5:45 AM
Opening line: -7.5 / O/U 139.5
Model Projection
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICE Rice Owls | +249 | +4.9 | O 144.9 |
| UNT North Texas Mean Green | -249 | -4.9 | U 144.9 |
Source: Model Updated: Mar 4, 5:45 AM
Our Picks
Spread
Rice (opened at -7.5)
53% Confidence
Play to -5.6
Total
Over (opened at 139.5)
60% Confidence
Play to 144.2
Recent Trends
North Texas enters at 17-13 (11-5), hovering around the .500 mark. They've shown flashes of strong play but haven't been able to sustain consistency. At home, they'll look to put together a complete performance and build momentum.
It's been a difficult season for Rice at 12-17 (7-8). Traveling to face North Texas presents a significant challenge, though every game is a chance to build for the future.
When these teams meet, the home team typically has the edge given the crowd advantage and familiarity factor. The team that controls tempo and limits turnovers will likely dictate the outcome of this matchup.
Matchup Edges
North Texas
Advantages
- Home court advantage and crowd support
- Elite defense allowing just 66.9 PPG
- Familiarity with home venue and routines
Disadvantages
- Potential for inconsistency in key moments
Rice
Advantages
- Nothing to lose as the visiting team
- Road underdog motivation — play with less pressure
Disadvantages
- Playing on the road without home crowd support
- Struggling with a 12-17 (7-8) record this season