In a monumental upset, Rice took down North Texas 86-83 at Tudor Fieldhouse, defying expectations and handing the Mean Green a devastating loss. The Owls, led by Trae Broadnax's impressive 22-point, 11-rebound performance, proved that they can hang with tougher opponents, even if the numbers didn't suggest it. Prior to the game, CHD Scout predicted a narrow North Texas victory by 1.8 points, but Rice had other plans.
The game got off to a blistering start, with North Texas racing out to a 34-25 lead at halftime. However, Rice regrouped and adjusted, outscoring the Mean Green 40-31 in the second half to set up a thrilling finish. The Owls' Nick Anderson and Jalen Smith provided crucial support, combining for 35 points and 19 rebounds to complement Broadnax's heroics. On the other side, Cole Franklin paced North Texas with 19 points and 6 rebounds, while Je'Shawn Stevenson and David Terrell Jr. chipped in with 18 points each.
As the final minutes ticked away, the intensity reached a fever pitch. Rice's ability to contain North Texas's high-powered offense and create scoring opportunities on the other end ultimately made the difference. The Owls' victory marked a significant upset, considering North Texas's 12-11 record and No. 174 net ranking compared to Rice's 10-13 mark and No. 245 net ranking.
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This outcome will undoubtedly have resume implications for both teams. For Rice, the win represents a Quadrant 4 victory, which, although not the most prestigious, still demonstrates the team's capability to compete against respectable opponents. Meanwhile, North Texas absorbs a Quadrant 4 loss, which may raise some eyebrows given their aspirations for a postseason berth. The Mean Green must regroup and refocus to avoid letting this setback derail their tournament chances.
The loss will likely drop North Texas in the rankings, making their path to the tournament more challenging. Conversely, Rice's upset win injects a dose of excitement into their season, even if it doesn't drastically alter their tournament prospects. As the college basketball landscape continues to unfold, this result serves as a reminder that upsets can happen anywhere, and teams like Rice are capable of rising to the occasion when given the chance. The Owls' statement win over North Texas will be remembered as one of the highlights of their season, and they'll look to build on this momentum as they push forward.