Rice Owls vs Tulane Green Wave Picks and Prediction for Sunday February 22 2026
The Rice Owls head to Devlin Fieldhouse in New Orleans, Louisiana, to take on the Tulane Green Wave on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM ET and the game will be streamed on ESPN+. Tulane enters this matchup as a 6.5-point favorite, with the total currently listed at 145.5. The moneyline is off at the time of writing. Be sure to check out our free college basketball picks for additional analysis and daily betting insight.
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Owls Trying to Find Consistency
Rice comes into this contest with an 11-15 overall record and a 5-8 mark in American Athletic Conference play. The Owls have struggled to string together wins but remain competitive most nights. Over their last five games, Rice has gone 2-3, recently losing 85-75 to ECU and 80-70 at CLT, while picking up wins over FAU (81-73) and UNT (86-83). They also dropped a 71-65 decision at UAB. The road has been difficult for this team, and facing a motivated Tulane squad away from home presents another stiff challenge.
Offensively, Rice averages 74.7 points per game while allowing 74.9, which reflects their up-and-down nature. They shoot 42% from the field, a number that has limited their ability to pull away from opponents. The Owls do a solid job on the glass, grabbing 38.2 rebounds per game, and they average 12.3 assists per contest.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Rice’s profile is its defensive activity. The Owls average 7.1 steals and 4.0 blocks per game, showing they can create disruption. However, their shooting inefficiency often puts pressure on the defense to overperform. If Rice is going to stay within this number, it will need to improve shot selection and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Green Wave Building Momentum at Home
Tulane enters at 16-10 overall and 7-6 in AAC play, keeping itself in the mix in the middle of the conference standings. The Green Wave have been trending upward, going 4-1 in their last five games. They recently won 77-71 at UNT, 55-54 at UAB, and 77-66 vs TEM, along with a 78-76 road victory at MEM. Their only setback in that stretch was a 75-61 home loss to WICH. Playing at Devlin Fieldhouse has provided a boost, and Tulane will look to continue that strong form.
The Green Wave average 72.8 points per game and allow 73.5, making them slightly more defensive-minded compared to Rice. They shoot 43% from the field and pull down 31.2 rebounds per game. While their rebounding numbers are modest, they compensate with defensive pressure and rim protection.
Tulane averages 7.9 steals and 4.9 blocks per game, which gives them a clear edge in defensive playmaking. That interior presence and ability to create turnovers could be a major factor against a Rice offense that has struggled with efficiency. If Tulane can dictate pace and force the Owls into rushed shots, they will control this matchup. 
Rice vs Tulane Pick
Rice vs Tulane Spread Pick
- Pick: Tulane -6.5
Tulane has been the more consistent team over the past couple of weeks, and their defensive metrics give them an advantage in this matchup. Rice’s shooting struggles and inconsistent road play make it difficult to trust them in this spot. I expect Tulane’s pressure defense and home-court energy to create separation in the second half.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Nick Parsons | +4,844.00 |
| 2 |  Mark Ruelle | +4,761.00 |
| 3 |  Ricky Tran | +4,179.00 |
| 4 |  Rocky Atkinson | +3,950.00 |
| 5 |  The Gold Sheet | +2,955.00 |
Rice vs Tulane Total Pick
- Pick: Under 145.5
I’m leaning toward the under here. Tulane has shown the ability to grind out games, as seen in their 55-54 win at UAB, and Rice has been inconsistent offensively. I see this turning into a more methodical AAC battle rather than a track meet. Both defenses should have success, keeping this game just below the posted total.
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