TULSA, Okla. (Interstat) — A surging Tulsa team riding a nine-game winning streak will look to close 2025 in dominant fashion when it hosts a struggling Rice squad in an American Athletic Conference men’s basketball matchup Wednesday at the Donald Reynolds Center.

The Golden Hurricane (12-1) have been one of the nation’s surprise packages, their lone loss a one-point setback at Kansas State in November. Since then, they have averaged 90.2 points per game during their streak, including a 90-85 win over Denver last Monday. David Green has been a key offensive catalyst, erupting for 23 points in just 19 minutes off the bench against Denver. Over his last six games, the guard is averaging 13.5 points in under 20 minutes per contest.

They face a Rice team (6-7) seeking consistency. The Owls have alternated wins and losses over their last five games, most recently falling 84-62 at Pepperdine on Dec. 20. Guard Trae Broadnax has been a bright spot, scoring 19 in that loss and averaging 15.0 points over his last four outings. Rice will need his production to counter Tulsa’s depth and high-powered attack.

The matchup pits starkly different trajectories. Tulsa’s defense has held opponents to 70.5 points per game, while its offense ranks among the AAC’s best. Rice, meanwhile, has allowed 80 or more points in five of its seven losses. Protecting the ball will be critical for the Owls; Tulsa forces over 14 turnovers per game.

This game opens conference play for both teams. Tulsa aims to establish itself as a league contender, while Rice hopes to spring an early upset on the road. The teams will meet again in Houston on Jan. 25.

Tip-off is set for Wednesday evening.