Wichita State vs Rice Prediction 3/6/25 College Basketball Picks

The Wichita State Shockers and Rice Owls meet on Thursday in college basketball action at Tudor Fieldhouse. Here’s a Wichita State vs Rice prediction. This article will include a Wichita State vs Rice Pick.

Wichita State Shockers Betting Preview

The Wichita State Shockers (17-12, 12-14-2 ATS) have been playing in waves in recent weeks; they had a lot of ups and downs throughout the season. Wichita State experienced its best period of the year during a six-game winning streak, but then the Shockers lost two in a row to UAB and North Texas. Wichita State is 8th in the American Standings with 3.5 wins ahead of Rice and 7.5 games behind the leaders Memphis.

Wichita State averages 74.4 PPG (180th) and allows 72.9 PPG (207th). The Shockers are 53rd in rebounds (38.3) and 357th in assists (12.0). Xavier Bell leads the team with 15.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, and 1.0 SPG. Corey Washington follows him with 13.7 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 1.1 SPG, while Justin Hill has 12.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, a team-high 3.0 APG, and 1.1 SPG. 

Rice Owls Betting Preview

The Rice Owls (13-17, 16-12-1 ATS) have been disastrous in the last couple of months. Since January 9, Rice suffered 13 losses in 15 games and endured such negative runs as a seven-game losing skid. Following the latest four-game losing streak, Rice beat Tulsa and then lost the next two games to Memphis and UTSA on the road. Rice is 12th in the American Standings with a game ahead of the last-placed Charlotte and 11 games behind the No. 1 seed Memphis.

Rice is averaging 71.0 PPG (283rd) and is allowing 70.7 PPG (142nd). The Owls are getting 38.4 RPG (50th) and dish out 11.9 APG (359th). Trae Broadnax is the team’s top scorer with 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, and a team-high 4.2 APG. Caden Powell adds 10.3 PPG, a team-high 7.1 RPG, and a team-high 1.0 BPG, while Kellen Amos contributes 8.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and 2.5 APG.

Why Wichita State will beat Rice

• Rice has lost 10 of its last 11 night games against Conference opponents.
• Wichita State has won six of its last eight games against the American Athletic Conference.
• Wichita State has won the first half in six of its last seven road night games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Wichita State’s last four road night games against the American Athletic Conference have produced a total of 143 or fewer points.
• Three of Rice’s last four night games against non-AP-ranked opponents at Tudor Fieldhouse have produced a total of 152+ points.

Matchup/League Facts

• Rice ranks T32nd among Division 1 teams for free throws made per game this season (16.6).
• Rice ranks 39th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (38.4).
• Wichita State ranks 358th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (16.6).
• Wichita State ranks 33rd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (11.0).

Wichita State vs Rice Prediction

These rivals have met on three occasions thus far and Wichita State won all three duels. Rice is playing its worst basketball of the season, while Wichita State did lose the last two games but is still a way better team. The Owls lost six of the previous seven, while the Shockers were victorious in three of the last four road games. I think it’s a great opportunity to make a profit here as the spread is quite modest. Still, I am opting for Wichita State and Moneyline.

Oliver Zivic's Pick: Wichita State ML