Shall we dive into the dogfight that will be the Rice Owls squaring off against the Memphis Tigers? Naturally, as these feline foes are ranked 18th in the AP Poll, the odds seem to be leaning their way. But games aren't fought on paper, are they?
Looking at the top-tier talent on both sides, The Owls have been soaring on wings of Trae Broadnax and Caden Powell, who are posting some hefty numbers this season. Broadnax, averaging 13.0 points per game, is starting to look like a threat on the court. Nearly matching that stamina, Powell is making quite an impression, especially with his 7.0 rebounds per game. That being said, there's simply no overlooking the Tigers' fierce duo: PJ Haggerty is roaring with 21.1 points per game this season, intimidating anyone looking to venture into his territory. Dain Dainja, scoring an impressive 16.4 points per game last month, feels like he's clenching this season in his jaws.
The last meetups between these two have been closely contested as shown by the nail-biting scores from 2024 and 2025. Whether this gives the Owls some wind beneath their wings remains to be seen. Looking closer at the records, the Tigers look more ferocious with a menacing 22-5 run in comparison to the more modest 13-15 of the Owls.
Historically speaking, both teams have had their triumphs and disruptions recently, but the Owls might be feeling a little disheveled after faltering in their last few games. On the contrary, the Tigers seem to be finding their stride, brushing off any interruptions to their reign.
Taking all of these factors into account, it seems like the Tigers might show their dominance in this game, not because they are unfairly judged but because they have proven their mettle.
Albert’s Prediction: Memphis Tigers by 12