Rice Basketball Returns Home to Face Arkansas State in Saturday Showdown
Table of Contents
The Rice Owls basketball team will return to action this Saturday, December 13th, hosting Arkansas State at Tudor Fieldhouse following a break for final exams. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. Central Time and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
After a challenging start to the season, the Owls (4-6) have found their rhythm with a two-game winning streak, most recently defeating Texas State 77-72 last Wednesday. They will look to continue that momentum against a strong Arkansas State team (7-3) that has won its last four contests.
Owls Look to Build on Winning Streak
Nick Anderson, a senior guard/forward, is leading the charge for Rice, averaging 15.6 points per game – placing him 10th in the American Athletic Conference. Anderson isn’t just a scorer; he also contributes 3.7 rebounds per game and boasts an impressive 92.5% free throw percentage, the best in the league. He’s also second in the conference in three-point shooting, connecting on 43.5% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Alongside Anderson, graduate guard Trae Broadnax is a key contributor, averaging 13.7 points, a team-leading 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Broadnax is also highly efficient at the free throw line, converting 83.8% of his attempts. Redshirt senior guard Jalen Smith adds 12.3 points per game and is a threat from three-point range, hitting 41.8% of his shots.
The Owls are averaging 75.7 points per game while allowing 73.2, and are connecting on 42.4% of their field goal attempts. They currently rank second in the American in three-point field goal percentage, shooting 37.3% from beyond the arc. Rice also demonstrates a strong presence on the boards, outrebounding opponents by an average of 38.3 to 36.9.
Red Wolves Riding High into Houston
Arkansas State enters the contest with a 7-3 record, having secured a 90-78 victory over Little Rock last Saturday. Junior guard TJ Caldwell leads the Red Wolves in scoring with 12.0 points per game, adding 3.4 rebounds. He’s a reliable free throw shooter, connecting on 84.8% of his attempts, good for sixth in the Sun Belt Conference.
Senior forward Jaxon Ellingsworth and graduate student guard Matt Hayman both contribute 10.3 points per game, with Ellingsworth also pulling down 5.8 rebounds. Senior guard Chandler Jackson directs the offense with a team-high 4.3 assists (5th in the Sun Belt) and a strong 87.2% free throw percentage. Senior guard Jalen Hampton leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 boards per game, ranking third in the Sun Belt.
Arkansas State is averaging 80.8 points per game while allowing 79.6. They shoot 44.1% from the field and 29.2% from three-point range. The Red Wolves are also strong on the glass, averaging 39.5 rebounds per game, and lead the Sun Belt Conference in free throw percentage at 79.6%, which is seventh nationally.
Series History and What to Expect
Arkansas State currently holds a 2-1 advantage in the all-time series against Rice. This Saturday’s game marks the first meeting between the two teams in Houston, and the first played outside of a tournament setting. Rice secured a 75-67 victory over the Red Wolves last year in the Nassau Championship.
Rice head coach Rob Lanier is in his second season leading the program, while Arkansas State is under the direction of first-year head coach Ryan Pannone.
Fans can also listen to the game on RiceOwls.com and follow live stats on the same website. Following Saturday’s game, Rice will conclude its homestand on Wednesday, December 17th, hosting Southwestern Christian in its annual School House Mania game, with tip-off at 11:15 a.m. CT and streaming available on ESPN+.
