Charlotte Seeks Redemption Against Rice in Wednesday Showdown

DENTON, Texas – The Rice Owls (13-18) will host the Charlotte 49ers (10-21) Wednesday at The Super Pit, looking to bounce back from recent losses as they approach the tail end of the college basketball season.

Charlotte enters the matchup fresh off a narrow defeat to the UTSA Roadrunners, losing by a final score of 83-80. The 49ers showcased a balanced offensive performance, shooting 50% from the field and knocking down 12 of their 29 three-point attempts. However, their defensive struggles were evident as they allowed UTSA to shoot 52.6%.

Kylan Blackmon led the 49ers, with a remarkable shooting percentage of 90% on the night, scoring 22 points while also contributing seven rebounds and one assist. This performance, while impressive, was not enough to overcome a resilient UTSA squad that capitalized on Charlotte’s defensive weaknesses.

On the season, the 49ers have averaged 71.1 points per game, ranking 263rd nationally, and are shooting 42.4% overall. They rank low in both assists per game and rebounding, highlighting areas needing improvement as they prepare for the upcoming game against Rice.

Meanwhile, the Owls also faced disappointment in their last outing, suffering a 63-59 defeat to Wichita State. Despite the loss, Rice managed to secure 34 rebounds, with Kellen Amos contributing significantly with 12 points on 45.5% shooting from the field.

The Owls have shown moments of offensive struggles, hitting only 20.0% from beyond the arc against Wichita State. They average 70.6 points per game, but their defensive metrics rank them among the lesser-performing teams, allowing 70.5 points per game.

As both teams grapple with inconsistencies in their play, the outcome of Wednesday’s game could hinge on which squad manages to tighten their defense and capitalize on scoring opportunities. Betting odds suggest it’s a competitive matchup, making for an intriguing contest between two teams seeking to end their seasons on a high note.

Josh Schonwald, a sports analyst, predicts Charlotte will come out on top in this matchup, recommending wagering on the 49ers to cover the spread. “They’re due for a turnaround, and with Kylan Blackmon’s recent performances, they have the potential to surprise,” Schonwald stated.

With playoff implications at stake, fans can tune in to catch the action on ESPN+ at 7 PM CT.