- Matchup: Rice Owls vs UAB Blazers
- Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
- Venue: Bartow Arena, Birmingham, AL
- Broadcast: ESPN+
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This Sunday, the UAB Blazers (14-9) will host the Rice Owls (10-13) at Bartow Arena.
In their latest outing, the Rice Owls secured an impressive 86-83 victory against North Texas. Both teams finished with 21 fouls. On the 3-point line, Rice struggled, making just 3 of 18 attempts. North Texas converted 66.7% from the free-throw line, netting 18 of 27 attempts. Additionally, North Texas collected 36 rebounds (14 offensive, 22 defensive) but recorded no blocks. The Owls allowed their opponents to shoot 41.9% from the field, converting 31 of 74 attempts. Defensively, Rice grabbed 52 rebounds, including 23 offensive, and achieved a free-throw success rate of 69.2% by hitting 18 of 26 shots. The Owls concluded the match shooting 39.7% from the field (29 of 73) and made 10 of 32 from the 3-point range.
Highlighting the performance, Nick Anderson played a crucial role, shooting 58.3% from the field with 22 points on 7 of 12 shooting. He logged 43 minutes on the court, registering 9 rebounds and dishing out 1 assist.
With a season record of 10-13, the Rice Owls average 74.8 points per game (ranked 226th in D-1) and shoot 42.3% from the field. Their 3-point shooting stands at 36.2% (209 of 577), while their free-throw percentage is 69.0%. This season, Rice has averaged 38.3 rebounds per game and has 283 assists, positioning them at 308th in Division 1 for assists. They are committing an average of 12.6 turnovers and 18.7 personal fouls per contest.
Defensively, the Owls generate an average of 12.0 turnovers per game while allowing 18.0 personal fouls. Opponents are making 34.0% of their 3-point attempts against them, ranking Rice 214th in Division 1 for points allowed (74.7). Opponents have shot 44.0% (590 of 1,341) from the field against them, and they allow an average of 36.3 rebounds per game, ranking them 92nd for assists surrendered this season, with a total of 282.
In their previous game, the UAB Blazers fell short against Memphis, losing 90-80. They secured 22 defensive rebounds alongside 14 offensive boards, totaling 36 for the game. UAB had 13 turnovers but recorded 11 steals. Memphis committed 23 fouls, leading to 35 free-throw attempts for UAB, which converted 21 for a shooting percentage of 60.0%. The Blazers struggled from beyond the arc, making just 9 of 37 attempts (24.3%). Ultimately, UAB managed a field goal shooting percentage of 37.9% with 25 of 66 attempts. On the defensive end, UAB permitted Memphis to shoot 52.4% from the field, allowing them to connect on 33 of 63 attempts.
Chance Westry stepped up for the Blazers with 15 points on 4 of 11 shooting (36.4%) and contributed 6 assists while logging 34 minutes.
UAB’s overall record this season stands at 14-9. They commit an average of 15.1 fouls per game and shoot 70.3% from the charity stripe. They average 14.3 assists per game (165th in D-1) while maintaining a turnover rate of 9.3. The Blazers have scored a total of 1,882 points this season (81.8 points per game) and average 41.2 rebounds each game. Their shooting percentage is 44.5% from the field, ranking them 239th nationwide.
Defensively, the Blazers rank 232nd in the nation for points allowed per game (75.6). They force an average of 12.5 turnovers and have allowed teams to shoot at a 43.1% clip from the field (137th in the country). Opponents are shooting 33.1% from three-point range against UAB, and they convert 74.0% of their free throws. UAB gives up an average of 14.0 assists and 36.1 rebounds per game, ranking them 226th and 280th nationally, respectively.
Who will take the win in tonight’s NCAA matchup?
Recommendation: Bet on UAB
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