Rice Women’s Basketball Dominates Tulsa in Historic Win
The Rice women’s basketball team delivered an impressive performance, defeating Tulsa 105-65 at Tudor Fieldhouse. This victory marked their 21st consecutive win, tying the school record, while improving their season record to 26-3 and maintaining a perfect 16-0 in conference play. Tulsa, meanwhile, fell to 18-10.
Victoria Flores led the Owls with 24 points, while Shelby Hayes contributed 20 points. Dominique Ennis added 19 points, and Louann Battiston scored 17. Aniah Alexis rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points, helping the team shine both offensively and defensively.
Rice shot a solid 51.4% from the field and 52.5% from beyond the arc. They were exceptional at the free-throw line, hitting 86.4% of their shots.
A Coach’s Motivational Message
Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds emphasized the importance of each game, tying her players’ performance to pride and commitment. “We are always playing for something,” she said. Her words seemed to resonate, as the team rallied after a tough start to secure the win.
Game Breakdown
The game kicked off with Tulsa taking an early lead, but Rice bounced back quickly. The first quarter ended tied at 23-23 after some back-and-forth scoring. In the second quarter, Rice ignited a 14-0 run that shifted momentum in their favor, ending the half leading 53-39.
The third quarter saw Rice extend their lead, while the fourth quarter pushed them past the 100-point mark. Ennis set a new school record for three-pointers in a season, hitting 81 shots from beyond the arc.
Historical Context & Impact
Reaching 105 points is not just a milestone for the current season; it’s a significant achievement for Rice basketball. They have now scored over 100 points in a game six times in their history, a feat last accomplished in 2016 during a triple-overtime game and in regulation for the first time since 1997.
The team’s strong performance has not only impressed fans but has also gained traction on social media. Fans celebrated the win with enthusiastic posts, highlighting the team’s determination and skill.
Looking Ahead
Rice will face Charlotte on Tuesday, as they continue their winning streak. With each victory, the Owls are not only making history but also inspiring a devoted fanbase, making their games a must-watch this season.
For more on their season stats and upcoming games, visit the official Rice Owls Women’s Basketball page.
