Rice Owls will take on the Stanford Cardinal in a non-conference game at Maples Pavilion. Rice, part of the American Athletic Conference, comes into the game with a 1-1 record. They will look to improve their performance after a narrow loss to East Texas A&M.
Stanford, representing the Atlantic Coast Conference, has started the season strong with a 2-0 record. The Cardinal recently secured a win against Oakland Golden Grizzlies with a solid performance. They will aim to maintain their winning streak on home turf.
The odds favor Stanford, with a spread set at -16.5, indicating confidence in their ability to dominate the game. Rice enters as the underdog with a spread of +16.5. The game's over/under is set at 146.5, hinting at an expectation of a high-scoring encounter.
Stanford vs Rice At a Glance
- Matchup: Rice Owls vs Stanford Cardinal
- Venue: Maples Pavilion, Stanford CA
- Date & Time: Monday, November 9, 2026 at 10:00 PM ET
- TV Channel: ACC
- Stanford Record: 2-0 in 2027 Regular Season
- Game Odds: Stanford favored with a -16.5 spread
Stanford Cardinal: A Closer Look at the Home Team
Offensive Overview
Stanford averages 77.5 points per game, which ranks them at 219th in the nation. Their field goal percentage stands at 50.4%, putting them in the 79th position. The team is successful in converting 65.2% of their two-point attempts.
The Cardinal are also strong at the free-throw line, shooting 84.4%, which ranks 15th. Despite their shooting accuracy, they have fewer possessions per game, ranking 399th with 65.6 possessions. This limits their overall scoring opportunities.
Defensive Performance
Defensively, Stanford records 8.5 steals per game, positioning them at 309th. Their blocks per game are 3.5, which ranks 252nd. They commit 17 fouls per game, ranking 169th in this category.
The team needs to improve in these areas to reduce scoring opportunities for their opponents. Maintaining defensive discipline will be key to their success this season.
Key Players
Nick Townsend leads the Cardinal with an average of 18.5 points and 7 rebounds per game. He also has an impressive field goal percentage of 76.5%. Townsend's contribution on both ends is significant for Stanford.
Julius Price adds 12.5 points and 4 assists per game, providing crucial support in the backcourt. Aidan Cammann is another vital player with 13 points per game and a high shooting percentage of 76.9%.
Recent Game Highlights
In their recent win against Oakland, Nick Townsend scored 25 points, showcasing his scoring ability. Christian Bliss also contributed 17 points and 8 rebounds in the same game. Aidan Cammann added 13 points, demonstrating efficiency from the field.
Against Eastern Washington, Julius Price led with 17 points. Townsend and Aziz Olajuwon each scored 12 points, highlighting Stanford's balanced scoring attack. Their performances are pivotal in securing victories.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 2-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 2-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-2 (0.0%)
Injury Report
Nick Townsend is currently questionable due to eligibility issues. His availability will be crucial for the Cardinal in maintaining their offensive efficiency. The team will look for other players to step up if Townsend is unable to play.
Rice Owls Aim to Soar Against Their Next Opponent
Team Overview
The Rice Owls have had a mixed start to their season, with one win and one loss. Their offensive approach involves a high number of field goal attempts, but their field goal percentage remains low. This indicates an aggressive style of play, though accuracy might need improvement.
Defensively, the Owls are struggling with low numbers in steals and blocks per game. This might pose challenges when facing teams with strong offensive capabilities. They are also committing 16 fouls per game, which could give opponents easy points through free throws.
Key Players
Jacob Dar is a significant contributor for the Owls, averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His shooting percentage is below 40%, but he continues to be a primary option on offense. Dar's presence is felt on both ends of the court.
Jaxson Thompson and Jimmy Oladokun Jr. support Dar with their consistent performances. Thompson scores 12.5 points per game, while Oladokun Jr. adds 11 points and 7.5 rebounds. Both players bring a mix of scoring and rebounding to the team.
Offensive Strategy
Rice's strategy revolves around a fast-paced game, with 74.5 field goal attempts per game. However, their field goal percentage of 40.9% ranks them low nationally. To improve, they might need to focus on shot selection and efficiency.
They excel in three-point shooting with 11.5 threes made per game, ranking them 49th. Increasing accuracy from beyond the arc could be key to their success. Their free throw percentage is also a point of concern at 68.4%.
Defensive Concerns
The Owls struggle with defensive stats, particularly in blocks and steals. They might need to tighten their defense to prevent easy scores from opponents. With turnovers at 12 per game, they must also focus on minimizing mistakes.
Fouling is another issue, as 16 fouls per game can lead to opponent free throw opportunities. Addressing these defensive lapses will be crucial for the Owls moving forward.
Rice Owls Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
Stanford vs Rice Prediction: Rice +16.5
Stanford is coming into the game with a strong start, having won their first two games. They have proven to be effective at home, which might seem intimidating for Rice. However, the spread of -16.5 points seems too wide given the dynamics.
Rice has shown that they can score effectively, averaging 85.5 points per game. Their ability to rebound, with 49.5 rebounds per game, is noteworthy and could help them stay competitive. Despite their shooting struggles, their high field goal attempts suggest they won’t shy away from taking their chances.
Stanford’s shooting efficiency is impressive, but their pace is slower with fewer possessions per game. This might limit their ability to pull away significantly. Rice's penchant for taking a high volume of shots, particularly from beyond the arc, could keep them within the spread.
Therefore, the pick here is Rice +16.5. A final score projection could be Stanford 79 - Rice 67, suggesting Rice covers the spread.
- Stanford vs Rice Prediction: Rice +16.5
- Stanford vs Rice Score: Stanford 79 - Rice 67
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox
Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for nightly CBB previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.