Both Rice basketball teams qualified for the Conference USA Basketball Tournament in Frisco, Tx. Here’s a preview of the action.
Men’s Tournament
🚨2020 Air Force Reserve #CUSAMBB Championship Bracket 🚨
Join us for #HoopsAtTheStar beginning this Wednesday from the Ford Center in Frisco, TX! pic.twitter.com/KteuledMbB
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) March 8, 2020
The Favorite: North Texas
Perhaps the biggest surprise story in college basketball this season, North Texas came out of nowhere to pace Conference USA. The Mean Green are the No. 1 seed with a 14-4 record and at least one head-to-head win over every team in the conference. North Texas is extremely balanced on offense with the No. 1 scoring defense.
The Contender: Louisiana Tech
As good as North Texas has been, they’re far from a shoe in. Louisiana Tech is one of the hottest teams in C-USA. They beat North Texas in bonus play and won five of their last six games, finishing one win shy of the Mean Green for the No. 1 overall seed. Ken Pomery tabs Tech as the favorite to win the title.
The Sleeper: Marshall
It’s hard to see any of the lower seeds stringing together four consecutive wins, but of the middle-tier seeds, Marshall is an intriguing pick. The Thundering Herd are the fourth best scoring offense in C-USA and they rebound well. If they can limit the turnovers, they’re talented to play with anyone in the conference.
The case for Rice
Rice basketball goes as their shooting goes. When Rice shoots 50 percent from the field, they win. The Owls are 10-10 when they make at least half of their shots, and that includes wins over 1-Seed North Texas and first round opponent FIU. If Rice gets hot, they’ll be dangerous. Inconsistency has been their Achilles heel.
Women’s Tournament
🚨2020 Air Force Reserve #CUSAWBB Championship Bracket 🚨
Join us for #HoopsAtTheStar starting Wednesday in Frisco! pic.twitter.com/g9GuYv2wvE
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) March 8, 2020
The Favorite: Rice
Rice women’s basketball had a 30-game conference winning streak snapped during the season by Old Dominion. The Owls later got revenge, topping the Monarchs in the regular season finale to clinch the outright regular season title. A battle tested team peaking at the right time, it’s hard to bet against Rice.
The Contender: Old Dominion
Old Dominion is on a very short list of programs who were able to prove they belong with the streaking Owls. While Rice relies on two primary pieces, Old Dominion is incredibly balanced. They play tenacious defense and can score from all over the court. If Rice doesn’t win, Old Dominion would be the obvious next team up.
The Sleeper: Charlotte
Charlotte holds the lone distinction of the only team in C-USA to beat both Rice and North Texas. Led by Jade Phillips, the 49ers got off to a slow start before catching fire midseason. She has the talent to take over a tournament. If any team is going to take down both Old Dominion and Rice, Charlotte could be the team to do it.
The case for Rice
The chalk pick to cut down the nets in the preseason. Through a full season, it’s hard to doubt Rice women’s basketball. They’ve had their ups and downs, but their defense and the inspired play of Erica Ogwumike will give them a shot against any opponent, C-USA or otherwise.
Schedule – Men / Women
First Round
Rice Men: Wednesday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. vs Marshall – ESPN+
Rice Women: Bye
Second Round
Rice Men: TBD
Rice Women: Thursday, March 12 at 11 a.m. vs Marshall/Southern Miss – Watch Stadium
