Rice Owls - NCAA Men's Basketball - Odds, Watch, Predictions

As the Air Force Falcons prepare to face off against the San Jose State Spartans at the Provident Credit Union Event Center, fans are eager to see if their team can continue their recent trends and capitalize on their strengths. The upcoming game, scheduled for Valentine's Day, promises to be an exciting clash.

<img src="/imgproxy/c2XQ9uoGUd1RcEu3dLYkRkWEOy2EjOV-KA4wmNGQhxQ/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlLzMzZDM4YmFmOGFiMGUzZWM0ODMxMTJiNTA5YWM5Y2ZjLmpwZw==?image_id=a5301a87-0a21-47fb-9982-961eafc845a9" alt="Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons guard Carter Murphy (4) controls the ball against San Jose State Spartans guard Ryen Perry (25) as guard Ethan Taylor (5) defends in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports" title="Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons guard Carter Murphy (4) controls the ball against San Jose State Spartans guard Ryen Perry (25) as guard Ethan Taylor (5) defends in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports" /> The Falcons have shown a consistent ability to assist with a high ratio compared to turnovers in their past games. Despite a loss against Northern Colorado with a close score of 79-83, they demonstrated strong teamwork with 21 assists and managed an impressive three-point percentage of 52 percent. Their defensive game was also notable with six steals and five blocks.

In another tight contest against Texas-Arlington Mavericks, the Falcons fell short by just three points (73-76). However, they exhibited tenacity on defense once again with twelve steals and maintained a solid field goal percentage of 52 percent. This resilience suggests that even when trailing, the Falcons can keep pressure on their opponents.

<img src="/imgproxy/4De4QurCvJ2yl5Hj_EmFWw9KqiKfNX0OpAyEX1KK-VI/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlL2NlMTgzZjRhZmRkN2FkODJmZTgxZTNiMzFhOTFkM2FmLmpwZw==?image_id=eca1f8b4-ffc0-4c73-90b8-e68aa87ddf5e" alt="Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons forward Rytis Petraitis (31) controls the ball ahead of San Jose State Spartans forward Sage Tolbert III (23) in the first half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports" title="Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; Air Force Falcons forward Rytis Petraitis (31) controls the ball ahead of San Jose State Spartans forward Sage Tolbert III (23) in the first half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports" /> A concern for fans might be the turnover rate from these games; in both matches combined, there were thirty turnovers. This is an area where discipline will be crucial if they want to secure a win away from home.

Playing at Provident Credit Union Event Center could present its challenges as well; however, it's worth noting that in previous away games this season, such as against Eastern Washington Eagles where they scored 68 points but lost by five points (68-73), Air Force has shown that they can perform under pressure even when not backed by their home crowd's energy.

<img src="/imgproxy/drMVs7IjCPPArLB_SaIaIkv-68BEhBLyRg4OK9u21pU/rs:fit:800:800:false:false/aHR0cHM6Ly9zdG9yYWdlLmdvb2dsZWFwaXMuY29tL3dtdC1nYW1lcy1zZXJ2aWNlL2IzZTQxYzAxYjIzOWFkMTNmNzA3OWNkODFjM2I5YzIwLmpwZWc=?image_id=a3270dc4-b531-4244-aa47-5e0e98b41bc4" alt="Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; San Jose State Spartans center Ibrahima Diallo (5) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Air Force Falcons guard Camden Vander Zwaag (30) in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports" title="Mar 4, 2023; Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA; San Jose State Spartans center Ibrahima Diallo (5) looks to pass the ball under pressure from Air Force Falcons guard Camden Vander Zwaag (30) in the second half at Clune Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports" /> The venue may influence play style and dynamics but expect the Falcons' coaching staff to have prepared strategies tailored for this environment. Fans should look out for how effectively Air Force utilizes its offensive rebounds and second-chance points which were significant contributors in past performances.

For those looking forward to catching this midweek matchup live or through broadcasts – mark your calendars for February 14th at 03:00 AM UTC. The game will take place at San Jose's Provident Credit Union Event Center and will be aired on NBCS-BA channel number 696. Will Valentine’s Day bring victory love for the visiting team? Only time will tell as we anticipate an engaging battle between these two contenders.

Rice Owls - NCAA Men's Basketball - Odds, Watch, Predictions

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