Rice vs East Carolina Prediction 1/28/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a Rice vs East Carolina prediction for this College Basketball game on Wednesday, January 28th at Minges Coliseum in Greenville, North Carolina. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

Rice Owls Betting Preview

The Rice Owls are 8-12 (2-5) this season after they lost to Tulsa by a score of 87-81 in their last game. Rice trailed 51-31 at halftime, but they did score 50 points in the second half in the loss. The Owls shot 50% from the field, 46% on three pointers, and 64% on free throws in the game. Jalen Smith led Rice with 24 points and two assists, while Trae Broadnax added 21 points and five rebounds in the loss. 

Prior to that game, Rice lost to Temple by a score of 69-65, but did beat UTSA by a score of 89-73 before that. The Owls have scored 74.1 points per game with 37.4 rebounds and 12.2 assists per game, while they have allowed 74.0 points against per game this season. Trae Broadnax is averaging 15.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while Nick Anderson is averaging 14.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Owls. Rice is shooting 42.4% from the field, 69.4% on free throws, and 36.6% on three pointers this season. 

East Carolina Pirates Betting Preview

The East Carolina Pirates are 6-14 (1-6) this year after they defeated North Texas by a score of 63-59 in their last game. East Carolina led 28-23 at halftime, but they were outscored 36-35 in the second half in the win. The Pirates shot 43% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 74% on free throws in the game. Jordan Riley led ECU with 15 points and five rebounds, while Demitri Gardner added 13 points and three rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, East Carolina lost to Wichita State by a score of 77-60 and Charlotte by a score of 73-70. The Pirates have scored 67.9 points per game with 36.5 rebounds and 11.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 76.2 points against per game this season. Jordan Riley is averaging 21.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game, while Giovanni Emejuru is averaging 13.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game for the Pirates. East Carolina is shooting 40.3% from the field, 68.7% on free throws, and 26.8% on three pointers this year. 

Why the East Carolina Pirates will win

• Rice has lost 20 of its last 24 games against the American Conference.
• East Carolina has won six of its last eight night games at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum.

Why the Rice Owls will win

• East Carolina has lost seven of its last eight games against Conference opponents.
• Rice has won each of its last three games against East Carolina.
• Rice has won the first half in four of its last five road night games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Six of East Carolina’s last seven games against the American Conference at Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum have produced a total of 143+ points.
• Nine of Rice’s last 12 games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 143+ points.

Rice vs East Carolina Prediction 

East Carolina is just 1-6 in conference play so far this year, but they are coming off of a win and they are at home. The Pirates are shooting 40% from the field and they have scored 63 points or fewer in two straight games. Rice has lost three of their last four games and they are shooting 42% from the field this year. The Owls are 2-0 in their last two road games and they are the slightly better team in most metrics. Take Rice to win here.

David Racey's Pick: Rice ML