This is a 10* CONFERENCE USA TOY on the UNDER WKU/Rice.

Everything points to this one being a much more defensive affair than what the oddsmakers are trying to lead us to believe.

WKU is 14-12, including only 4-7 on the road. It's three-game win streak was snapped in a 68-64 OT loss at Charlotte last time out. The Hilltoppers have seen the total go OVER the number in four straight, but note that they've seen the total go UNDER in five of their last seven after playing to three or more straight OVERS in a row. They play with revenge here as well after falling 81-78 to Rice as six-point favorites on December 29th, and that's significant to note here, as WKU has seen the total go UNDER the number in five of its last six in trying to avenge a SU/ATS home loss as a favorite vs. an opponent.

Rice has seen the total go OVER in five straight, but note that the Owls have seen the total go UNDER in eight of their last 11 after playing to five or more straight OVERs in a row.

Expect a hard-fought and competitive game, but one that falls UNDER the number once it's all said and done.

Good luck, NP