Rice vs Louisiana Prediction College Basketball Picks 11/19/24

The Rice Owls and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns meet Tuesday in college basketball action from the Cajundome. Here’s a Rice vs Louisiana prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Rice vs Louisiana pick. We will examine:

The Rice Owls’ recent form and player performance

The Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns’ recent form and player performance

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Rice Owls

Recent betting trends and streaks involving the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Recent betting trends in games played between Rice and Louisiana

A summary that ties it all together and produces a favorable betting outcome for the Rice vs Louisiana game

Rice Owls Betting Preview

Rice got their start in 2024-25 with a 1-1 run. The opener was a 77-70 victory over FIU, then came a 73-65 loss to Florida State in game two. Rice was able to get back into the win column with a 66-50 outcome versus LA-Monroe.

In Saturday’s matchup versus Northwestern State, the Owls had a close game but came out on the winning end. Rice was outscored 41-39 in the second half and needed OT for a 77-75 victory. Top scorer Kellen Amos notched 16 points, seven assists, and eight boards.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Betting Preview

Over on the Louisiana side, they’ve only got three games in the can so far. The Cajuns took a tough loss to Kent State in the opener, eventually falling 70-66. Louisiana was able to bounce back with an 82-65 win over Texas-Dallas in game two, though.

Matched up against a great Houston team last Wednesday, the Cajuns took another loss. Louisiana was down 51-25 by the break and limped to a 91-45 blowout finish. Christian Wright was the lead scorer with eight points and three assists.

Why the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns will win

• Louisiana has won 22 of its last 23 home night games against non-conference opponents.
• Rice has lost seven of its last nine night games against the Sun Belt Conference.
• Rice has lost the first half in three of its last four road games against the Sun Belt Conference.

Why the Rice Owls will win

• Rice has won three of its last four games.

Rice vs Louisiana Prediction

I’m going to lean toward Rice. The Owls are coming off a pretty intense battle versus Northwestern State, eventually shooting 41.2 percent from the field with 38 rebounds and 12 team assists. Rice wasn’t spectacular from the line with 68.4 percent (26-of-38) and had 12 turnovers along the way.

As for Louisiana, they naturally couldn’t compete with Houston in their last outing and ended up with 32.6 percent shooting alongside 23 turnovers. The Cajuns should match up better here but I don’t think they’ve got enough offensive firepower to keep a cover/win pace on Rice, even at home. I like the Owls to win this one outright. 

Andrew Jett's Pick: Rice Owls +2.5