Hofstra Pride to clash with Rice Owls in Bahamas showdown

In Nassau, Bahamas, the Hofstra Pride basketball team, with a record of 4-2, is set to face off against the Rice Owls, who hold a 5-1 record in non-conference play. The teams are competing at the Baha Mar Convention Center on Friday evening. Hofstra ranks sixth in the Colonial Athletic Association, allowing an average of 69.3 points per game and facing opponents with a field goal percentage of 40.1%. Rice, a member of the American Athletic Conference, excels in rebounding, ranking second with an average of 37.7 rebounds per game, led by Caden Powell who averages 8.2 boards. Hofstra has maintained a shooting percentage of 43.2%, while Rice's opponents have shot only 37.8% against them. The matchup pits Hofstra's Jaquan Sanders, averaging 13.5 points and shooting 41.3% from three-point range, against Rice's Trae Broadnax, who scores an average of 13.8 points, contributing significantly to the Owls' overall performance. The game becomes crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their non-conference standings ahead of the main season. Rice's recent struggles in converting three-point shots, averaging 7.5 made shots per game, could give Hofstra the upper hand, as they have allowed an average of 9.3 made three-pointers. This promising matchup between Hofstra and Rice not only highlights the teams' strengths and weaknesses but also sets the stage for an exciting encounter, emphasizing the competitive atmosphere of college basketball in an international venue.