Rice Women’s Basketball Shines in Road Victory over FAU
In an exciting matchup, the Rice women’s basketball team hit the ground running with an 83-75 win against Florida Atlantic at Eleanor R. Baldwin Arena. This victory marks their seventh straight win, moving their record to 12-3 overall and 2-0 in the American Conference. Florida Atlantic now stands at 6-8 and 0-2 in the conference.
Standout Performers
Victoria Flores led the Owls with 21 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Aniah Alexis contributed significantly with 19 points and three steals. Hailey Adams achieved a double-double, scoring 11 points and snatching 11 rebounds. Shelby Hayes and Dominique Ennis also scored 11 points each, showcasing a well-rounded team effort.
As a squad, Rice shot 50.8% from the field and a remarkable 52.6% from three-point range. They also hit 69.2% of their free throws, underlining their offensive efficiency.
Coach’s Thoughts
After the game, Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds expressed pride in her team’s resilience. “Winning is hard, especially on the road. Starting the conference play with two road wins sets a positive tone for our season,” she said.
Game Highlights
Rice quickly established control, with early points from Adams and a triple from Ennis, paving the way for a 20-16 lead after the first quarter. The second quarter saw the Owls stretch their lead to 14 points by halftime, bolstered by strong performances from Flores and Hayes.
A competitive third quarter kept fans on edge as Florida Atlantic cut the lead to just one point. However, Rice responded with key three-pointers from Alexis, holding onto a 61-53 lead by the end of the quarter.
In the final stretch, Rice maintained their composure. They countered Florida Atlantic’s attempts to close the gap, ultimately securing their victory with well-timed shots from Flores, including an impressive three-pointer to seal the game.
Quick Facts:
- Flores set a season-high with her 21 points.
- Alexis matched her season best with 19 points.
- Adams recorded her fifth double-double this season.
What’s Next?
The Owls will return to Tudor Fieldhouse to face Charlotte on Wednesday night. With their current momentum, fans are eager to see how they will perform in the upcoming match.
As a footnote, Women’s basketball has seen increasing support and viewership in recent years. According to a 2022 NCAA report, viewership for women’s college basketball has grown by 15% compared to previous seasons, reflecting a broader trend of growing interest in women’s sports. This enthusiastic support adds another layer of excitement as teams like Rice make their mark in the league.
