Rice Owls fall to UTEP in hard-fought C-USA game

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved

By Robert H Kelly
Copyright 2016 TexSport Publications

HOUSTON, TEXAS (January 1, 2016) The Rice Owls outscored the UTEP Miners 16-10 in the third quarter, but were unable to keep the momentum going and dropped a 60-54 Conference USA game at Tudor Fieldhouse on the campus of Rice University on January 1, 2016. The Owls fell to 0-1 in conference play and 1-11 for the 2015-2016 season. The Miners went to 1-0 in conference and 10-1 for the season.

The Miners jumped out to a 26-21 lead at halftime by shooting 37% and shutting down the Rice offense. The Owls shot 22% with 13 of their points coming from Alyssa Lang, Jasmine Goodwine, and Shani Rainey. In the third quarter, the Owls capitalized on UTEP’s mistakes and took a 37-26 lead by the end of the period. Maya Hawkins went on a seven-point scoring streak as Rice tallied a 9-0 take the lead. However, that would not be enough as the Miners outscored the Owls 24-17 in the final quarter to take the win.

Rice head coach Tina Langley talked about the Owls’ effort in the post-game press conference with the media.

"We took some strides forward today. Obviously we still need to value the ball more and protect it when the game gets physical. We've got to continue to get better at building leads and just keep fighting."

Photo by Darla Tamulitis-La Vita Loca Photography
Copyright 2016 All Rights Reserved

Hawkins was 4-of-15 from the field and 6-of-6 from the free throw line to tally her 16 points for the afternoon. Wendy Knight chipped in 11 points while Rainey pulled down eight rebounds. UTEP had three players scoring in double figures; with Starr Breedlove scoring 15, followed by Jenzel Nash with 12 and Sparkle Taylor added 10. Agata Dobrowolska pulled down seven rebounds to lead UTEP.

Next on tap for the Owls is a 2 p.m. CST C-USA game against UTSA, who are 4-7 for the season and 0-1 in conference play.