Finding ways to win

[randy]

Jan 9, 2007: Rice (9-4, 4-0) @ Marshall (10-3, 3-1)


Tip off

Both teams struggled to put pts on the board early inthe game. MARS came up with an 11-0 run mid way in the half, and we trail by 9. We came back and cut the deficit to 3, but MARS again had a good run towards the end, scoring the last 9 pts of the 1st half. We ended up shooting just 28% FG


Halftime, Down 19-31


Start of 2nd half

Our shooting was still inconsistent, except for the latter part when the game was already decided. Our 16 turn overs also didn't help


Final Score: Rice - 51, Marshall - 68


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilson 13, 7, 1, 2 stls
Edgerson 12, 4, 2
Kosik 12, 4, 1
Smith 7, 2, 0, 3 tos
Aylsworth 5, 3, 2, 3 tos
Hancock 2, 6, 1
Kante 0, 6, 1
Sanders 0, 2, 0
Woods 0, 0, 1
Ramsey 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 59-44%
REB: +5
TO: -7 (TUL: 20)
Pts in paint: +14
2nd chance: +9
Fast break: +9
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Tulsa 4-1 (W1)
2. Memphis, 4-1 (L1)
3. Marshall, 4-1 (W2)
4. Rice, 4-1 (L1)
5. Southern Methodist, 4-1 (W4)
6. Central Florida, 3-2 (W1)
7. Tulane, 2-3 (L2)
8. Houston, 2-3 (W2)
9. East Carolina, 1-4 (L3)
10. Southern Mississippi, 1-4 (L1)
11. Texas-El Paso, 1-4 (W1)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-5 (L5)

[randy]

Jan 12, 2007: Southern Methodist (8-6, 4-1) @ Rice (9-5, 4-1)


Tip off

A foul-laden 1st half, as the 2 teams combined for 26 fouls and 41 FT attempts. We led by as many 14, but allowed SMU to come back towards the end of the half.


Halftime, Up 45-42


Start of 2nd half

SMU's outside shooting got them the lead. Our interior defense also leaking in a number of SMU baskets inside.
10:59, Down 58-60

SMU's big men can also knock down medium range jumpers, which has caused us problems all throughout the game. PG Brian Smith and C Ruben Edgerson tried to keep us close.
6:36, Down 66-69

We scored 6 straight pts to go back on top by 3. Had a chance to go up by 5, but PF Damien Kosik was called for a charge. A miss by SMU, but we turned it over again on our next possession. Wasted opportunities
4:08, Up 72-69

SMU finally scores, as their PF Victor Fountain (20 pts) drains another jumper. Up 1. SG Jevon Wilson missed a 3; Wilson is off today, just 2-12 FG. Fountain with another jumper; the double team didn't come. I am very disappointed. Timeout.
3:12, Down 72-73

We turned the ball over. SMU gets another FG. Timeout
2:42, Down 72-75

PG Brian Smith answered back with a jumper. Smith has 9 of his 11 pts here in the 2nd half. Down 1. Smith gets a steal, and the outlet to SG Jevon Wilson produced an easy layup.
2:09, Up 76-75

SMU missed a 3, but we allowed them to get an off rebound, and they made us pay with a put back Down 1. We go to C Ruben Edgerson who goes inside and scores. SMU missed a 3, and we secured the rebound. Timeout
1:10, Up 78-77

We need a good shot. PF Damien Kosik has the ball. Kosik surprised the defense by going strong to the basket, and he scores! That's the 1st basket of Kosik in the game. Timeout SMU
0:59, Up 80-77

SMU's C Voshon McCarter has the ball on the outside, takes the jumper, and scores. Again, the perimeter game of SMU's big men causing us problems. Last timeout
0:48, Up 80-79

PG Brian Smith with the bad pass. We gave up a poor foul, as we are in the penalty. SMU hits both FTs. Down 1. Another bad pass on our side. SMU missed a 3. 0:20 left. We have no timeouts. SG Jevon Wilson can't get a shot. PG Quyn Kante missed. SMU rebounds. We have to foul. We did
0:08, Down 80-81

SMU missed the front end of a 1-and-1. We get the rebound. We have to hurry up. Almost no time remaining. PG Quyn Kante puts up a shot from deep. The buzzer-beating 3 is good!!! That is Kante's 1st attempt from 3 in this game. The players piled up on Kante at mid court. Oh what a game.


Final Score: Southern Methodist - 81, Rice - 83


Box Scores
[INDENT]Edgerson 22, 6, 3, 10-12 FG (*)
Kante 19, 3, 3, 3 tos, 8-8 FT
Wilson 17, 4, 1, 11-14 FT
Smith 11, 4, 4, 2 stls
Aylsworth 6, 3, 0
Hancock 4, 3, 1
Sanders 2, 5, 0
Kosik 2, 3, 1
Ramsey 0, 2, 1
Woods 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 51-43%
REB: +1
TO: +1
Pts in paint: +4
2nd chance: -4
Fast break: -7
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Tulsa 5-1 (W2)
2. Memphis, 5-1 (W1)
3. Marshall, 5-1 (W3)
4. Rice, 5-1 (W1)
5. Southern Methodist, 4-2 (L1)
6. Central Florida, 3-3 (L1)
7. Houston, 3-3 (W3)
8. Texas-El Paso, 2-4 (W2)
9. Tulane, 2-4 (L3)
10. East Carolina, 1-5 (L4)
11. Southern Mississippi, 1-5 (L2)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-6 (L6)

[randy]

Jan 16, 2007: Southern Miss (6-9, 1-5) @ Rice (10-5, 5-1)


Tip off

Good beginning and end, as we had an early 15-5 lead, SMISS coming back to tie the game at 21, followed by a good finishing kick on our side. SG Jevon Wilson with 14 pts. SMISS had 10 turnovers, and shot just 30% FG.


Halftime, Up 34-27
We have to maximize our def rounding intensity, as SMISS had 11 off rebounds in the 1st half.


Start of 2nd half

With a 48% to 26% FG shooting advantage, we should have been enjoying a healthy lead by now. Instead, it's still relatively close as SMISS continually getting those off rebounds.
11:52, Up 47-36

SMISS had some costly turnovers. We look to be just about to break this game wide open, until SMISS hit a couple of 3s.
4:46, Up 58-48

SMISS scored 5 more pts. Teams traded a FG each.
2:57, Up 60-55

We turned the ball over. We got called on a foul the other end, and we're in the penalty. But SMISS missed the front end of a 1-and-1. We miss again. SMISS' SG Steven Tuck (16 pts) drives to the basket and scores. I don't like what I'm seeing. Just a few minutes ago, we're still leading by double digits. Timeout
1:57, Up 60-57

SG Jevon Wilson gets the ball. Instead of settling for a long jumper, Wilson drives, and got fouled. Wilson converts both FTs. Lead back up to 5. SMISS' SG Steven Tuck can't get a clear shot because of our double team. Tuck made a bad pass, as we stole the ball. Fast break opportunity. But PF Damien Kosik got called for a charge. That should have settled the game right there is he made a basket. Instead, SMISS still with a chance
1:12, Up 62-57

SMISS with another turnover (#19). SG Jevon Wilson hits a jumper on the other to make this a 3 possession game.. Difficult for SMISS now. We were able to hold on. 2 consecutive close home wins.


Final Score: Southern Miss - 59, Rice - 66


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilson 24, 3, 1, 3 stls, 3 tos (*)
Hancock 11, 2, 2, 3 stls
Edgerson 8, 7, 1
Kosik 8, 5, 2, 2 stls
Sanders 4, 5, 1
Aylsworth 4, 3, 1
Kante 4, 1, 3
Smith 2, 2, 6
Ramsey 1, 2, 0
Tann 0, 0, 0
Woods 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 45-35%
REB: -13 (-12 off)
TO: -7 (SMISS: 20)
Pts in paint: +4
2nd chance: -5
Fast break: -2
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Tulsa 6-1 (W3)
2. Marshall, 6-1 (W4)
3. Rice, 6-1 (W2)
4. Memphis, 5-2 (L1)
5. Houston, 4-3 (W3)
6. Southern Methodist, 4-3 (L2)
7. Tulane, 3-4 (W1)
8. Central Florida, 3-4 (L2)
9. East Carolina, 2-5 (W1)
10. Texas-El Paso, 2-5 (L1)
11. Southern Mississippi, 1-6 (L3)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-7 (L7)

[randy]

Jan 19, 2007: Rice (11-5, 6-1) @ #5 Memphis (12-4, 5-2)


Tip off

We were shooting well from the outside earlier in the game, as we took a 10 pt lead. MEM showed its class and came back. Despite us shooting 7-12 3PT (SG Jevon Wilson shot 6-6 3PT), we're still behind. MEM's bench outscored ours, 20 to 5

Halftime, Down 37-41


Start of 2nd half

MEM not giving us 2nd chance opportunities (we only have 1 off rebound so far), and they have shutdown SG Jevon Wilson. MEM slowly but surely starting to pull away.
9:39, Down 43-58

We are trying to look for a spark, as SG Jevon Wilson on a cold spell in the 2nd half. I put in 3rd string PG James Woods, and Woods scored 9 unanswered pts. MEM called a timeout
6:57, Down 52-58

MEM finally scored a couple of FGs, but it did not break our momentum as SF Speedy Hancock and C Ruben Edgerson scored 2 baskets each to continue our run.
4:28, Down 60-62

MEM scored on the low post, and on the next play split their charities. Down 5. We missed our next 3 shots, and MEM's C Tate Baron (14 pts, 9 rebs) scoring twice. SG Jevon Wilson finally breaking his silence in the 2nd half, draining a 3.
1:30, Down 63-69

MEM missed. On the next play, SG Jevon Wilson scored on the drive. Another miss by MEM. This is not yet over. Timeout
0:32, Down 65-69

We'll take a 3 if its available, and then foul. SF Speedy Hancock takes a corner 3. Miss. Hancock did not see SG Jevon Wilson on the other side, who was open. No choice but to give up fouls, and MEM hit their FTs. Good effort in trying to come back, against a national contender in their home court. We just ran out of gas in the end.


Final Score: Rice - 65, Memphis - 74
We had zero 2nd chance pts, and zero fast break pts


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilson 25, 5, 0, 7-9 3PT
Woods 9, 0, 5
Edgerson 8, 4, 1
Kosik 8, 3, 0
Hancock 6, 6, 0
Aylsworth 4, 1, 1
Smith 3, 1, 3
Ramsey 2, 0, 0
Sanders 0, 6, 0
Kante 0, 2, 4, 3 tos
Tann 0, 0, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 43-41%
REB: -11
TO: +2
Pts in paint: +16
2nd chance: +3
Fast break: +6
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Tulsa 7-1 (W4)
2. Marshall, 7-1 (W5)
3. Memphis, 6-2 (W1)
4. Rice, 6-2 (L1)
5. Southern Methodist, 5-3 (W1)
6. Central Florida, 4-4 (W1)
7. Houston, 4-4 (L1)
8. Texas-El Paso, 3-5 (W1)
9. Tulane, 3-5 (L1)
10. East Carolina, 2-6 (L1)
11. Southern Mississippi, 1-7 (L4)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-8 (L8)

[randy]

Jan 23, 2007: Houston (11-6, 4-4) @ Rice (11-6, 6-2)


Tip off

We beat HOU at their home court in our 1st meeting. Im sure they are eager to get even

We couldn't match HOU's defensive intensity at the start, and we trailed 11-18 midway in the 1st half. We settled down on both ends of floor, as SG Jevon Wilson led our balanced scoring effort with 9 pts, 4-7 FG. We limited HOU to 31% FG


Halftime, Up 35-28


Start of 2nd half

We continued to put the clamps on HOU, and they didn't scored a FG for almost the 1st 7 mins of the 2nd half. HOU's shooting has dropped to 21% FG, including 3-18 3PT.
11:52, Up 47-31

HOU started hitting some of their outside shots, but our starting unit made sure we don't suffer from a 2nd half collapse. We were still up by 19 with just over 2 mins left, before our bench warmers finished the game


Final Score: Houston - 52, Rice - 71


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilson 15, 6, 1, 2 stls (*)
Edgerson 14, 9, 1
Hancock 8, 8, 1
Kosik 8, 4, 1, 2 stls
Aylsworth 5, 3, 1
Sanders 4, 2, 6, 2 stls
Woods 4, 2, 3
Kante 4, 0, 1
Betts 4, 0, 0
Smith 3, 2, 3
Ramsey 2, 1, 1
Tann 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 46-26%
REB: +1 (-9 off)
TO: -4
Pts in paint: +18
2nd chance: -6
Fast break: +7
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Tulsa 8-1 (W5)
2. Marshall, 7-2 (L1)
3. Memphis, 7-2 (W2)
4. Rice, 7-2 (W1)
5. Southern Methodist, 5-4 (L1)
6. Tulane, 4-5 (W1)
7. Central Florida, 4-5 (L1)
8. Houston, 4-5 (L2)
9. Texas-El Paso, 4-5 (W2)
10. East Carolina, 3-6 (W1)
11. Southern Mississippi, 1-8 (L5)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-9 (L9)

[randy]

Jan 26, 2007: Rice (12-6, 7-2) @ East Carolina (8-10, 3-6)


Tip off

We had an early 15 pt lead when our outside shots where falling in. And then we went on a shooting slump, allowing ECAR to come back. Both teams ended up below 40% FG


Halftime, Up 31-28


Start of 2nd half

Good shooting again at the start of the half. But we are already in the penalty, with many of our key players in foul trouble.
11:20, Up 49-42

Both teams missing a lot shots, which benefits us more as we buy more time for our players who are sitting on the bench on foul trouble.
7:33, Up 51-42

ECAR did not score a single FG the rest of the way - that's almost 12 mins - as we cruised to an easy win. Great stuff.


Final Score: Rice - 72, East Carolina - 49


Box Scores
[INDENT]Aylsworth 15, 3, 0, 5-7 3PT
Hancock 12, 5, 4, 2 stls (*)
Kosik 10, 6, 1
Wilson 10, 4, 1, fouled out
Edgerson 8, 5, 1, fouled out
Smith 6, 1, 7
Sanders 5, 10, 1
Betts 4, 1, 0
Kante 2, 1, 3
Ramsey 0, 3, 1
Tann 0, 1, 0
Woods 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 42-26%
REB: +8
TO: -6
Pts in paint: +12
2nd chance: +1
Fast break: +7
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Tulsa 9-1 (W6)
2. Marshall, 8-2 (W1)
3. Memphis, 8-2 (W3)
4. Rice, 8-2 (W2)
5. Houston, 5-5 (W1)
6. Southern Methodist, 5-5 (L2)
7. Texas-El Paso, 4-6 (L1)
8. Tulane, 4-6 (L1)
9. Central Florida, 4-6 (L2)
10. East Carolina, 3-7 (L1)
11. Southern Mississippi, 2-8 (W1)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-10 (L10)

[randy]

Jan 30, 2007: Rice (13-6, 8-2) @ Central Florida (12-9, 4-6)


Tip off

Both teams shot more than 55% FG in this high-scoring 1st half. UCF made 6-11 3PT, while we capitalized on UCF's turn overs scoring 19 fast break pts. UCF's SG Matt Evans leads all scorers with 17 pts (4-6 3PT)


Halftime, Up 51-45


Start of 2nd half

After UCF got closer to within 3 pts (55-52) earlier in the half, we began to make some defensive stops.
13:33, Up 68-58

UCF still hitting occasional outside shots, but they're simply trading baskets with us. Our balanced offense has already produced 6 players in double figures scoring.
7:39, Up 81-69

UCF making a big run, and this is the closest they have been since early in the 2nd half
3:25, Up 88-85

After a miss on our possession, UCF scored once again. I called a timeout to break momentum. Up 1. SG Jevon Wilson answers back with a much-needed 3.
2:38, Up 91-87

UCF with 2 chances to score. Missed both. We also had 2 shots on our end. Also missed both. Still up by 4. UCF hits a 3. Timeout
1:14, Up 91-90

Execution will be key here. We go to C Ruben Edgerson on the low post, and Edgerson scores. Timeout UCF
0:57, Up 93-90

We forced their big man to shoot a long jumper, but he nailed it. Timeout
0:44, Up 93-92

We go to C Ruben Edgerson once more. Edgerson missed but got fouled. Edgerson is 0-3 FT today, prior to these next 2 important FTs. Missed the 1 st, Made the 2nd. Timeout UCF
0:29, Up 94-92

UCF ties the game with a basket! Last timeout
0:15, Tied at 94

SG Jevon Wilson shoots a jumper. Too quick. Missed. UCF still has time for a desperation 3. The shot is up. It goes in! Game over


Final Score: Rice - 94, Central Florida - 97
A poor defensive effort, nullifying our great offensive output.


Box Scores
[INDENT]Edgerson 19, 7, 0, 9-12 FG
Hancock 16, 4, 2
Kosik 14, 6, 0
Wilson 14, 2, 1
Aylsworth 12, 5, 2, 3 stls
Sanders 10, 4, 2
Woods 3, 0, 5
Smith 2, 2, 1
Tann 2, 0, 1
Ramsey 2, 0, 0
Kante 0, 0, 9
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 53-62%
REB: +1
TO: -8
Pts in paint: +20
2nd chance: +5
Fast break: +8
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Marshall, 9-2 (W2)
2. Tulsa 9-2 (L1)
3. Memphis, 9-2 (W4)
4. Rice, 8-3 (L1)
5. Houston, 6-5 (W2)
6. Southern Methodist, 6-5 (W1)
7. Texas-El Paso, 5-6 (W1)
8. Central Florida, 5-6 (W1)
9. Tulane, 4-7 (L2)
10. East Carolina, 3-8 (L2)
11. Southern Mississippi, 2-9 (L1)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-11 (L11)

[randy]

Feb 2, 2007: Tulsa (14-6, 9-2) @ Rice (13-7, 8-3)


Tip off

Teams are turning the ball over often (we had 10; TULSA with 12), resulting in a close game with 9 lead changes. SG Jevon Wilson with 10 pts to lead all scorers.


Halftime, Up 51-45


Start of 2nd half

We opted to start with PG Brian Smith at the 1, and he has so far scored all of his 7 pts in the 2nd half. Although we are in foul trouble, already with 6 team fouls (TULSA with zero).
11:40, Up 52-44

TULSA adding 8 more turn overs in the 2nd half, and we have capitalized most of them
6:23, Up 62-47

I called a timeout as TULSA came up with an 8-0 run. C Ruben Edgerson has fouled out. PF Damien Kosik came scored on an off rebound putback. TULSA split their FTs on their next possession.
2:40, Up 66-58

Teams traded turn overs. After a miss by SG Jevon Wilson, TULSA scored on 2 FTs. Timeout
1:28, Up 66-60

Another miss by SG Jevon Wilson. TULSA continued their run with another FG. Our 15 pt advantage a few minutes earlier cut down to just 4. On our next play, Wilson finally nails a jumper. Timeout TULSA
0:39, Up 68-62

After splitting their FTs, we were able to chop some time off the clock before TULSA gave up a foul on the act of shooting. We also came up with a split. TULSA hits a 3, to cut our lead to 3. 0:05 left and TULSA with another foul, but they are not yet in the penalty, and we were able to dribble the ball away on the ensuing play. That 15 pt cushion we had was very helpful. I am glad we limited ourselves to only 4 turn overs in the 2nd half


Final Score: Tulsa - 66, Rice - 69


Box Scores
[INDENT]Kosik 13, 4, 1, 6-7 FG (*)
Wilson 12, 3, 3, 3 tos
Edgerson 10, 2, 0, fouled out
Hancock 8, 1, 4, 5 stls
Smith 7, 1, 0
Sanders 6, 8, 0
Aylsworth 5, 4, 0, 3 stls
Ramsey 3, 1, 1
Kante 3, 0, 3
Tann 2, 1, 1
Woods 0, 1, 3
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 44-44%
REB: -7
TO: -8 (TULSA: 22)
Pts in paint: +4
2nd chance: -2
Fast break: +9
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 10-2 (W5)
2. Marshall, 9-3 (L1)
3. Rice, 9-3 (W1)
4. Tulsa 9-3 (L2)
5. Houston, 7-5 (W3)
6. Southern Methodist, 7-5 (W2)
7. Texas-El Paso, 5-7 (L1)
8. Tulane, 5-7 (W1)
9. Central Florida, 5-7 (L1)
10. East Carolina, 3-9 (L3)
11. Southern Mississippi, 3-9 (W1)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-12 (L12)

[randy]

Feb 6, 2007: Alabama-Birmingham (2-19, 0-12) @ Rice (14-7, 9-3)


Tip off

After UAB scored the 1st basket of the game, we went on a 21-3 run to pull away. We only had 3 turn overs the entire 1st half. SG Jevon Wilson top scored with 13 pts, and SG Daniel Aylsworth with 12 off the bench


Halftime, Up 44-22


Start of 2nd half

SG Daniel Aylsworth had a very good shooting day. UAB showed no signs of a major comeback. Our starters got an early rest.


Final Score: Alabama-Birmingham - 43, Rice - 75


Box Scores
[INDENT]Aylsworth 21, 3, 4, 7-9 FG, 3-4 3PT (*)
Wilson 15, 4, 1
Woods 10, 0, 1
Edgerson 9, 6, 0
Kosik 6, 7, 0, 2 stls
Sanders 6, 5, 0
Smith 4, 2, 3
Ramsey 2, 3, 1
Betts 2, 1, 0
Hancock 0, 2, 1
Kante 0, 1, 5
Tann 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 46-31%
REB: +7
TO: -8
Pts in paint: +20
2nd chance: +4
Fast break: +8
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 11-2 (W6)
2. Marshall, 10-3 (W1)
3. Rice, 10-3 (W2)
4. Tulsa 9-4 (L3)
5. Houston, 7-6 (L1)
6. Southern Methodist, 7-6 (L1)
7. Tulane, 6-7 (W2)
8. Central Florida, 6-7 (W1)
9. Texas-El Paso, 5-8 (L2)
10. East Carolina, 4-9 (W1)
11. Southern Mississippi, 3-10 (L1)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-13 (L13)

[randy]

Feb 9, 2007: Rice (15-7, 10-3) @ Texas-El Paso (8-14, 5-8)


Tip off

We played good defense (UTEP: 40% FG, 8 turn overs), but still a close game as our outside shots not falling, 1-10 3PT.


Halftime, Up 29-28
We need to go more inside in the 2nd half


Start of 2nd half

Scoring has become more difficult, as both teams falling below 40% FG. All of our big men with 3 or more fouls. UTEP is 12-24 FT.
11:02, Up 43-39

Turn overs galore in our previous plays, as UTEP takes control of this game. We need a timeout
6:55, Down 46-50

We finally hit a 3, only our 2nd of the game. Foul calls every time we're on defense, allowing UTEP to hang on to the lead.
4:22, Down 53-54

Teams trading a couple of FTs. We turned the ball over, and UTEP missed on their end. Chance to regain the lead, and C Ruben Edgerson scores inside.
3:11, Up 57-55

Turn over for UTEP. Foul on the attempt by SG Jevon Wilson. Wilson could oly manage a split. Up 3. We're playing very tight double-teaming defense. UTEP with a miss. But we turned the ball over, and UTEP scored a 3. That was a crucial mistake. Timeout
1:46, Tied at 58

PG Quyn Kante drives and scores. That was Kante's 1st FG of the game. Up 2. UTEP takes another 3, and makes it against a double team.. Timeout
1:03, Down 60-61

C Ruben Edgerson was fouled inside. Edgerson, normally not a good FT shooter, calmly sinks both. Up 1. Timeout UTEP
0:51, Up 62-61

UTEP missed a 3. We grab the rebound. Last timeout
0:38, Up 62-61

We need a basket to put pressure on UTEP, and C Ruben Edgerson delivers an inside basket once again. Timeout UTEP
0:32, Up 64-61

I gave my players instructions to deliberately foul UTEP's PF Bart Brewer (1-6 FT today). When Brewer got the ball on the low post, C Mark Sanders gave up a soft foul, and Brewer able to make the basket plus a possible tying FT. I was complaining to the refs he should not be given continuation, but I was just ignored. Brewer to take a FT. We have no timeouts left. Brewer sinks the FT.
0:24, Tied at 64

We have to take the last shot. But UTEP made the mistake of fouling. PG Quyn Kante to take 2 FTs. Kante made both. Whew! Last timeout for UTEP

UTEP's Bart Brewer gets the ball again down low. I instructed not to foul. Brewer made us pay and scored inside. 0:07. Game tied. Can't get the last shot. We go to OT


End of Regulation, Tied at 66


Start of OT

We turned the ball over on the 1st possession. UTEP hits another 3. C Ruben Edgerson fouled out. We are not looking good here. Someone has to step up.
3:46, Down 66-69

Another turn over. But UTEP not capitalizing on our previous mistakes, missing 2 more FTs and a FG. Backup C Mark Sanders finally put us on the board in OT, hitting 2 FTs. After another miss by UTEP, SF Speedy Hancock scores on the drive.
2:35, Up 70-69

UTEP with a turn over. Opportunity to put more pressure on UTEP. PF Damien Kosik sinks a jumper from the left corner. Up 3. But UTEP is so resilient, as they nailed another 3!
1:39, Tied at 72

SG Jevon Wilson, who has been quiet lately, drives and scores! Up 2. Turn over by UTEP. Wilson attempts a 3. Miss. Timeout UTEP
0:50, Up 74-72

Miss by UTEP. Ball out of bounds in our favor. Timeout. No timeouts left for both teams.
0:40, Up 74-72

SG Jevon Wilson made a bad pass, stolen by UTEP. UTEP on the break, and scores. Game tied. 0:24. Last shot time. SG Jevon WIlson with the ball. Wilson hesitant to shoot. Gave it up to PG Quyn Kante. Kante missed. Rebound by UTEP. Still 0:07 left. UTEP with one last shot. Missed. Double OT


End of 1st OT, Tied at 74


Start of 2OT

Teams hit 2 FTs each. After the 2nd turn over of UTEP in 2OT, SF Speedy Hancock scores on a jumper. A miss by UTEP. SG Daniel Aylsworth, who started the 2OT in lieu of a very tired SG Jevon Wilson, scored on the drive.
3:16, Up 80-76

Another foul on us. UTEP making both FTs. Up 2. We turned it over. Foul again, and UTEP has hit all of their 6 FTs in 2OT
2:43, Tied at 80

SG Jevon Wilson back on the floor. Slightly rested, he scores on another drive. Up 2. UTEP answers back with an inside basket.
2:12, Tied at 82

Another bad pass by PG Kuyn Kante, his 6th turn over. UTEP scored on the break. Down 2. Kante making it up, by hitting a quick jumper.
1:43, Tied at 84

UTEP can't get a clear shot. Missed a contested 3. I called a after we get the ball in the front court.
1:00, Tied at 84

We passed the ball around. Can't get it to SG Jevon Wilson. SF Speedy Hancock turns the ball over. UTEP with a dagger 3! Down 3, 0:34 left. We don't need a 3. But UTEP gave up the foul. PG Quyn Kante makes both FTs.
0:29, Down 86-87

We waited until we forced UTEP to pass the ball to PF William Johnson (0-2 FT today). We gave up a foul. PF Damien Kosik fouls out. Johnson to shoot 2 FTs. 0:15 left. Johnson splits. Down 2. Johnson thinking of launching a 3. But saw the open PG Quyn Kante. Kante nails the jumper! No time for UTEP to launch a final shot. 3rd OT!



End of 2nd OT, Tied at 88


Start of 3OT

Both teams tired, and coming up short with their shots. We missed 3 FTs already in 3OT.
3:28, Up 89-88

Teams traded turn overs. SG Daniel Aylsworth missed a layup in transition, but he got the rebound and scores on the 2nd try
2:29, Up 91-88

UTEP missed a 3. C Mark Sanders missed an inside attempt. Another miss by UTEP. I called a timeout
1:17, Up 91-88

PG Quyn Kante got isolated with his man. Kante drives. Good look, but he missed. Timeout UTEP. No timeouts remaining for both teams.
0:59, Up 91-88

UTEP with a turn over, which we converted on a transition basket. Up 5. Another missed 3 by UTEP. But SG Jevon Wilson called for traveling on the other end. ANother chance for UTEP, but they missed yet another 3. 2 FTs by PG Quyn Kante finally sealing the game. We shut out UTEP in 3OT, 9-0


Final Score: Rice - 97, Texas-El Paso - 88


Box Scores
[INDENT]Wilson 22, 8, 1, 4 tos (*)
Edgerson 15, 8, 0, fouled out
Kante 14, 1, 3, 7 tos
Sanders 13, 14, 2
Hancock 13, 6, 0, 2 stls, 4 tos
Aylsworth 7, 5, 1, 3 stls
Smith 7, 1, 3, fouled out
Kosik 6, 2, 0, 2 stls, fouled out
Woods 0, 0, 1
Ashman 0, 0, 1
Ramsey 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 47-38%
REB: +5
TO: +3
Pts in paint: +18
2nd chance: +2
Fast break: -1
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 12-2 (W7)
2. Rice, 11-3 (W3)
3. Marshall, 10-4 (L1)
4. Tulsa 10-4 (W1)
5. Houston, 8-6 (W1)
6. Southern Methodist, 8-6 (W1)
7. Tulane, 7-7 (W3)
8. Central Florida, 6-8 (L1)
9. Texas-El Paso, 5-9 (L3)
10. East Carolina, 4-10 (L1)
11. Southern Mississippi, 3-11 (L2)
12. Alabama-Birmingham, 0-14 (L14)