Rice Basketball on the Road: Facing No. 20 Tennessee
Rice University’s basketball team has a busy road stretch, and their next challenge is against the No. 20 Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. This game is set for Monday, November 17 at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be shown on the SEC Network.
Getting to Know Rice
Rice comes into this match with a record of 2-2. They recently beat East Texas A&M with a score of 71-64. The team’s star player, Trae Broadnax, averages 16.5 points per game, showcasing impressive shooting skills. He shoots 89.5% from the free-throw line and 53.8% from three-point range. Nick Anderson and Jalen Smith also contribute significantly, both scoring over 13 points per game.
Defensively, Rice allows 62.5 points per game, ranking second in their conference. They excel at rebounding, grabbing an average of 40.3 boards compared to their opponents’ 31.8.
Spotlight on Tennessee
Tennessee enters with an unbeaten record of 3-0. They recently dominated North Florida in a 99-66 win. This season, their standout player has been freshman Nate Ament, who scores 20 points and pulls down nearly nine rebounds per game. The Volunteers have a strong offensive game, scoring an impressive 90 points per game and allowing only 61.
Tennessee’s head coach, Rick Barnes, has a stellar record in his 11 seasons at the university, boasting 235 wins. Under his leadership, Tennessee has become known for its solid teamwork, averaging 23 assists per game.
A Rare Meeting
This game holds historical significance as it marks only the fourth time Rice and Tennessee have faced off, the first since 1963. Rice leads the series 3-1.
What’s Next for Rice?
After the Tennessee game, Rice will head back home to play against Tarleton State on November 20 at 7 p.m. CT. It’s a crucial time for the Owls as they look to build momentum in their season.
This matchup not only showcases talented players but also highlights the growing competitiveness in college basketball. As teams push for better rankings, fans can expect exciting plays and standout performances.
