Memphis Tigers Defeat Rice Owls 76-70 in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 3:00 PM ET · Tudor Fieldhouse
Memphis Tigers 76, Rice Owls 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Memphis Tigers vs Rice Owls?
Memphis Tigers beat Rice Owls 76-70 at Tudor Fieldhouse on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Memphis Tigers vs Rice Owls?
Memphis Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested game at Tudor Fieldhouse, the Memphis Tigers emerged victorious against the Rice Owls with a final score of 76-70. This matchup was notable as it marked the third meeting between the two teams in the current season, with Memphis having previously defeated Rice in both earlier encounters. The Tigers now hold a 3-0 advantage in their head-to-head record against the Owls this season.
The Owls entered the game with a home record of 6-9 and a recent form of 4-6 over their last ten games, currently on a two-game losing streak. In their last five games, Rice averaged 71.6 points scored while allowing 75.2 points per game. Their recent losses included a significant defeat against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, where they lost 48-97, and another loss to the Pepperdine Waves, finishing 62-84. Rice’s scoring average for the season has been 72.6 points per game, while they have allowed an average of 78.6 points, indicating defensive struggles.
On the other hand, the Memphis Tigers came into this game with a record of 7-7. They were on a two-game winning streak, having recently defeated the North Texas Mean Green 57-48 and the Alabama State Hornets 88-67. Memphis has averaged 73.1 points while allowing 71.0 points in their last ten games. Their recent form shows a slightly better performance than Rice, with an overall record of 5-5 in their last ten games.
When looking at home versus away performance, Rice has fared better at home with a record of 4-1, while Memphis has struggled on the road, holding an away record of 0-3. This game was crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their standings in the league.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details about player absences, but injuries can often impact team performance and dynamics. The absence of key players can shift the balance in such tightly contested games.
As for the betting market, DraftKings had Memphis favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. The odds for the over were -112, while the under was -108. Memphis was listed at -380 on the moneyline, while Rice was at +300, indicating that the Tigers were viewed as the stronger team heading into the matchup.
The conditions for the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no adverse weather factors affecting play. Fans in attendance witnessed a competitive atmosphere as both teams battled for supremacy on the court.
During the game, key scoring plays included a late surge from Memphis, highlighted by free throws from Dug McDaniel and a critical three-point jumper from Cam Carroll that helped seal the victory. The scoring plays showcased Memphis's ability to perform under pressure, particularly in the closing moments of the game.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the ongoing rivalry between Memphis and Rice but also showcased the contrasting recent forms of the two teams. The Tigers' ability to secure the win on the road adds to their momentum as they look to build on this performance in future games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MEM -7.5 | 144.5 o -112 / u -108 | Memphis Tigers -380 · Rice Owls +300 |
Leaders
- PointsNick Anderson17Rice Owls
- AssistsDallas Hobbs3Rice Owls
- ReboundsStephen Giwa9Rice Owls
- PointsDug McDaniel18Memphis Tigers
- AssistsDug McDaniel4Memphis Tigers
- ReboundsDug McDaniel6Memphis Tigers
Recent form
Rice Owls
Last 10: 4-6Streak L272.6 scored · 78.6 allowed per game4-1 at home
- L48-97at Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 31
- L62-84at Pepperdine WavesDec 21
- W94-47vs Southwestern Christian U EaglesDec 17
- W77-76vs Arkansas State Red WolvesDec 13
- W77-72vs Texas State BobcatsDec 4
- W81-62vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesNov 26
- L63-78at Florida Gulf Coast EaglesNov 26
- L84-89at Kennesaw State OwlsNov 24
- L74-90vs Tarleton State TexansNov 21
- L66-91at Tennessee VolunteersNov 18
Memphis Tigers
Last 10: 5-5Streak W273.1 scored · 71 allowed per game0-3 away
- W57-48vs North Texas Mean GreenDec 31
- W88-67vs Alabama State HornetsDec 23
- L66-71at Mississippi State BulldogsDec 20
- L70-77vs Vanderbilt CommodoresDec 18
- L73-99at Louisville CardinalsDec 13
- W78-71vs Baylor BearsDec 6
- W86-70vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 4
- W74-58vs Southern Illinois SalukisNov 27
- L68-69vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsNov 22
- L71-80at Purdue BoilermakersNov 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 25-9 | - | 15-3 |
| Tulsa | 30-8 | 2 | 13-5 |
| Wichita State | 24-12 | 2 | 13-5 |
| UAB | 20-12 | 4 | 11-7 |
| North Texas | 19-14 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Florida Atlantic | 18-15 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Charlotte | 17-17 | 6 | 9-9 |
| Tulane | 18-15 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Temple | 16-16 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Memphis | 13-19 | 7 | 8-10 |
| Rice | 13-18 | 8 | 7-11 |
| East Carolina | 11-20 | 9 | 6-12 |
| UTSA | 5-25 | 14 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Memphis Tigers | Rice Owls |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-49 | 19-52 |
| Field goal % | 47 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 4-13 | 9-29 |
| Three-point % | 31 | 31 |
| Free throws | 26-30 | 23-30 |
| Free throw % | 87 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 31 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 25 | 16 |
| Assists | 10 | 10 |
| Steals | 11 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 20 |
| Fast-break points | 22 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 18 |
| Fouls | 26 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 2 | 2 |
| Time in front | 47 | 45 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-43Hasan Abdul Hakim makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-43Hasan Abdul Hakim makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-44Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-45Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half50-45Julius Thedford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-45Julius Thedford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-48Nick Anderson makes 22-foot three point jumper (Cam Carroll assists)
- 2nd Half53-48Julius Thedford makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half53-50Stephen Giwa makes layup (Nick Anderson assists)
- 2nd Half54-50Zach Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-50Aaron Bradshaw makes 6-foot jumper (Dug McDaniel assists)
- 2nd Half58-50Aaron Bradshaw makes layup (Julius Thedford assists)
- 2nd Half58-53Nick Anderson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dallas Hobbs assists)
- 2nd Half58-55Trae Broadnax makes layup
- 2nd Half59-55Julius Thedford makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-55Julius Thedford makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-56Nick Anderson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-58Eternity Eguagie makes layup
- 2nd Half62-58Sincere Parker makes 14-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-59Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-60Eternity Eguagie makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-60Sincere Parker makes layup
- 2nd Half66-60Ashton Hardaway makes 0-foot tip in dunk
- 2nd Half66-61Trae Broadnax makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-61Dug McDaniel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-61Dug McDaniel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-62Trae Broadnax makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-63Trae Broadnax makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-64Trae Broadnax makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-64Sincere Parker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-64Sincere Parker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-64Dug McDaniel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-64Dug McDaniel makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-66Dallas Hobbs makes layup
- 2nd Half72-67Dallas Hobbs makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-67Zach Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-67Zach Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-70Cam Carroll makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half75-70Dug McDaniel makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-70Dug McDaniel makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Rice Owls, below favours Memphis Tigers.
Venue
- Tudor FieldhouseHouston, TX
- Attendance2038
- OfficialsJose Carrion, Mike Nance, Shaun Seales
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- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
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