Rice University is set to square off against in-state rival Texas State this Wednesday, December 3. The game is scheduled for an 8 p.m. CT tip-off at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+.
Game Details
- Matchup: Rice (3-6) vs. Texas State (6-4)
- Date: Wednesday, December 3
- Time: 8 p.m. CT
- Location: Tudor Fieldhouse, Houston, Texas
Series Background
The two teams will meet for the 18th time, with Rice holding a 10-7 series advantage. However, Texas State has been dominant, winning four of the last five encounters. In the previous 11 matchups, Texas State was known as Southwest Texas State. Rice has an edge at home, leading 7-5 in games played in Houston.
Scouting Rice
Entering the game, Rice holds a record of 3-6, with their most recent victory coming against Oral Roberts, where they won 81-62. The team’s scoring is led by senior guard/forward Nick Anderson, who averages 15.7 points per game. He ranks among the top in the American Conference with a free throw percentage of 94.1% and a three-point accuracy of 47.2%.
Graduate guard Trae Broadnax contributes 13.4 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while redshirt senior Jalen Smith adds 12.4 points and leads the team with 2.7 assists. Junior forward Jimmy Oladokun, Jr. leads in rebounds with 5.2 per game.
Rice Owls Statistics
- Points per game: 75.6
- Points allowed per game: 73.3
- Field goal percentage: 42.2%
- Three-point percentage: 38.6% (highest in the American Conference)
- Rebounding margin: +1.3
Scouting Texas State
Texas State enters the matchup with a record of 6-4 after suffering two consecutive losses, including a tight overtime defeat against Lehigh (78-74). Freshman forward DJ Hall leads the Bobcats with 12.6 points and an impressive 6.9 rebounds per game, which ranks him sixth in the Sun Belt Conference.
Senior guard Mark Drone, a Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team member, chips in with 11.0 points per game. Junior guard Dimp Pernell and Kaden Gumbs are also significant contributors, providing 8.7 points and 4.0 assists, respectively.
Texas State Bobcats Statistics
- Points per game: 73.7
- Points allowed per game: 64.3 (lowest in the Sun Belt)
- Field goal percentage: 47.5%
- Three-point percentage: 34.3%
- Rebounding margin: +9.3
Looking Ahead
Following this matchup, Rice will take a week off to allow its players to focus on exams. The Owls’ next game will be against Arkansas State on Saturday, December 13, at 2 p.m. CT, also live-streamed on ESPN+.
