North Texas Mean Green at Rice Owls, Picks and Prediction for February 4, 2026
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The North Texas Mean Green (12-10, 3-6 American Athletic Conference) travel to Houston, TX to take on the Rice Owls (9-13, 3-6 AAC) on February 4, 2026 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Get in on the action with our free NCAAB picks.
North Texas Mean Green Analysis
The Mean Green have had an up-and-down conference season, but they showcase a stingy defense and disruptive perimeter pressure that keeps them competitive in close games. North Texas scores about 69.6 points per game while holding opponents to roughly 65.7 points, ranking among the better defenses in the league.
Team Overview and Metrics
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PPG: 69.6
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Points Allowed: 65.7
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FG%: 43%
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3P Shooting: 6.0 makes per game
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Steals: 9.4 per game
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Rebounds: 33.7 RPG
Strengths
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Perimeter defense: North Texas forces pressure, leading the AAC in steals and turnovers forced.
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Defensive efficiency: Allowing under 66 points per game, Mean Green defense dictates tempo.
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Leading scorer: Je’Shawn Stevenson averages around 17.4 PPG and 1.9 SPG, providing both scoring and disruption.
Weaknesses
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Offensive rhythm: Averaging under 70 points makes consistency difficult when shots aren’t falling.
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Turnovers: North Texas coughs it up 12.3 times per game, yielding extra chances.
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Bench scoring: Secondary scoring drops off if starters struggle.
Rice Owls Analysis
Rice averages about 74.3 points per game, outpacing North Texas’ scoring but allowing more points defensively. The Owls rank near the middle of the AAC in field goal efficiency and have a handful of scorers capable of explosive nights.
Team Overview and Metrics
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PPG: 74.3
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Opp PPG: 74.4
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FG%: 42.4%
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Rebounds: 37.5 RPG
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Assists: 12.2 APG
Strengths
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Balanced offense: Multiple players can score, and Rice averages more points than UNT.
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Rebounding: Owls pull down 37.5 boards per game for extra possessions.
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Home court: Rice is modestly better at Tudor Fieldhouse, winning about half its home games.
Weaknesses
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Defensive track record: Allowing nearly as many points as they score indicates inconsistency.
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Turnovers: Rice gives away the ball 12.2 times per contest.
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Shooting splits: Field goal efficiency lags compared to top AAC offenses.
Standout Players and Key Matchups
North Texas
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Je’Shawn Stevenson (G): Leading scorer at 17.4 PPG and defensive spark.
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Cahmai Crosby (G): Generates perimeter offense, averaging around 1 made three per game.
Rice
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Trae Broadnax (G): Averaging 15.3 PPG and providing rebounding presence.
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Nick Anderson (G): Recent impact scorer who can heat up quickly.
North Texas vs Rice Prediction Reasoning
This AAC matchup projects as a close, physical game. North Texas’ defensive efficiency and ability to force turnovers give them a chance to control tempo. Rice’s balanced scoring and rebounding challenge North Texas offensively, but Rice’s defensive inconsistency keeps this from being a runaway.
Expect a slow-paced first half with tactical adjustments, and the outcome may hinge on late possessions and free-throw execution.
Final Score Projection: North Texas 70, Rice 67
Best Picks
- North Texas moneyline
- Over 134 total points
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