Rice Owls Stun Florida Atlantic Owls 81-73 Behind Nick Anderson's 23 Points

The Rice Owls, ranked 241 in the NET rankings, pulled off a stunning 81-73 upset over the Florida Atlantic Owls, who are ranked 106. This 8-point victory marked a significant turnaround from the predicted 6.8-point margin in favor of Florida Atlantic, as forecasted by the CHD Scout model. Nick Anderson led the charge for Rice, scoring 23 points, while Josiah Parker had a notable performance for Florida Atlantic with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The win improves Rice's record to 11-14, while Florida Atlantic falls to 14-11.

At halftime, Rice held a commanding 40-27 lead, with Nick Anderson already having scored 13 points. However, Florida Atlantic made a strong push in the second half, outscoring Rice 46-41. Despite this, Rice maintained their lead, thanks in part to Trae Broadnax's 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. The game saw several key moments, including a 10-2 run by Rice midway through the first half, which helped them build their initial lead. Florida Atlantic's Isaiah Elohim scored 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The final score of 81-73 in favor of Rice marked a significant upset, given the 135-spot difference in their NET rankings.

The top performers for both teams were instrumental in shaping the outcome of the game. For Rice, Nick Anderson scored 23 points, while Trae Broadnax added 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jalen Smith also contributed 16 points for the Owls. On the other side, Josiah Parker had a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds for Florida Atlantic, supported by Isaiah Elohim's 22 points and 7 rebounds, and Devin Vanterpool's 12 points and 7 rebounds. These individual efforts were crucial, with Rice's balanced attack ultimately proving too much for Florida Atlantic to handle.

A closer look at the box score reveals several key statistics that influenced the game's outcome. Rice outscored Florida Atlantic 40-27 in the first half, setting the tone for their eventual victory. The Owls also shot efficiently, with Nick Anderson scoring 23 points on 9-15 shooting. Florida Atlantic, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm early on, scoring just 27 points in the first half. The Owls' 46-point second half was a significant improvement, but it ultimately fell short. The rebounding margin was relatively even, with Florida Atlantic grabbing 37 boards to Rice's 35.

The CHD Scout model predicted a 73-80 victory for Florida Atlantic, with a predicted margin of 6.8 points. However, the actual outcome was far from this forecast, with Rice emerging as the 8-point victor. This discrepancy highlights the unpredictability of college basketball and the potential for upsets, even when teams seem evenly matched on paper. The model's failure to account for Rice's strong performance, particularly from Nick Anderson and Trae Broadnax, ultimately led to its incorrect prediction.

This upset victory has real consequences for both teams' resumes. For Rice, the win improves their Quad 3 record, providing a much-needed boost to their tournament hopes. Conversely, the loss drops Florida Atlantic's Quad 4 record, potentially harming their chances of securing a favorable seed. Given the 135-spot difference in their NET rankings, this win is particularly noteworthy for Rice, demonstrating their ability to compete against higher-ranked opponents. As the season progresses, this victory could become a key factor in Rice's postseason aspirations.

Rice's next game is scheduled for February 15, where they will face off against the University of Texas at San Antonio. Florida Atlantic, meanwhile, want to bounce back on February 14 against the University of Texas at El Paso. Both teams will aim to build on their current momentum, with Rice seeking to capitalize on their upset victory and Florida Atlantic looking to regain their footing after a disappointing loss.