Finding ways to win

[randy]

Feb 8, 2008: #20 Rice (19-2, 11-1) @ Alabama-Birmingham (7-14, 4-8)


Tip off

We were trailing by 10, primarily because of our turn overs (9). C Curtis Harper got us back on his shoulders, finishing the 1st half with 15 pts and 7 rebs. SG Daniel Aylsworth contributed 10 pts off the bench


Halftime, Up 42-35


Start of 2nd half

We added 5 more turn overs, and UAB got off to a 10-0 run to start the 2nd half. I wasn't happy with our starting back court. UAB's shooting has been impeccable, and we were playing catch up
13:17 Down 52-54

SF Speedy Hancock scoring 7 of his 10 pts in the 2nd half, but it wasn't enough as UAB is having an easy time scoring, now at 57% FG. This game starts to slip away.
8:05 Down 59-68

PG Jevon Wilson trying to shoot our way back into this game, scoring 10 of his 11 pts over last 3 minutes.
4:55 Down 73-77

UAB hits another 3, their 8th of the game. C Curtis Harper missed an easy shot inside. We get a steal and scored on the break. UAB made 2 FTs, as we're in the penalty. We went back to Harper, and he scored this time. We can't afford to just trade pts. We need to make stops
3:46 Down 77-82

UAB scored on a drive. SF Ross Brown, who is playing the 4 on our small lineup on the floor, hits a jumper. UAB finally missed. But we muffed 2 chances to score on our end.
2:31 Down 79-84

UAB got inside again. Fortunately they missed the shot, but a foul was called on us. Split FTs. Timeout
2:09 Down 79-85

C Curtis Harper scored. Down 4. But Harper fouled out on the next play. UAB gets both FTs. Timeout
1:42 Down 81-87

SF Speedy Hancock gets a 3pt play opportunity which he converted. Down 3. UAB drives, but missed. We go to PF Kevin Tiggs inside, and Tiggs scored. Down 1. UAB scores a 3! Timeout
0:34 Down 86-90

We'll go for 3. We missed. Had to foul. UAB knocks down both FTs. We got a late 3 with a sec left. Not enough time

A tough loss. If we don't get a high seed in the NCAA tournament later in the season, it might be because of this game. 2nd half defense was atrocious, giving up 57 pts to UAB


Final Score: Rice - 89, Alabama-Birmingham - 92


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 20, 11, 0, fouled out
Hancock 17, 5, 0, 3-6 3PT
Brown 13, 2, 0
Wilson 13, 0, 4, 4 tos, 3-3 3PT
Aylsworth 12, 4, 5
Tiggs 8, 6, 1
Kante 4, 0, 3
Smith 2, 1, 3
Sanders 0, 3, 0, 2 blks
Woods 0, 1, 0, 4 tos
Ramsey 0, 0, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 52-58%
REB: +6
TO: +2
Pts in paint: -4
2nd chance: +3
Fast break: +8
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

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

[randy]

Feb 11, 2008: Texas-El Paso (7-15, 3-10) @ #20 Rice (19-3, 11-2)


Tip off

Much better defensive effort than our last game, forcing UTEP to 11 turn overs. We shot 63% FG, including 7-11 3PT, and a perfect 10-10 FT. Close to a perfect offensive half as it could get. C Curtis Harper already with 22 pts, 7 rebs


Halftime, Up 65-34


Start of 2nd half

We're coming of a loss, and there is no way UTEP can come back with that deficit. Our starters played only a few minutes in the 2nd half.

Final Score: Texas-El Paso - 73, Rice - 109


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 32, 10, 0, 13-17 FG (*)
Aylsworth 20, 3, 6, 8-11 FG, 4-6 3PT
Wilson 16, 4, 6
Smith 12, 3, 5, 2 stls
Tiggs 6, 2, 1, 2 stls
Hancock 6, 1, 0
Woods 5, 1, 4, 3 tos
Brown 4, 4, 4
Sanders 4, 2, 1
Ramsey 2, 2, 0
Ashman 2, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 63-49%
REB: +22 (+9 off)
TO: -5
Pts in paint: +44
2nd chance: +15
Fast break: +13
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 13-1 (W4)
2. Rice, 12-2 (W1)
3. Marshall, 10-4 (W1)
4. Central Florida, 9-5 (W3)
5. Southern Mississippi, 8-6 (L1)
6. Tulsa 6-8 (L4)
7. Houston, 6-8 (L2)
8. Alabama-Birmingham, 6-8 (W2)
9. Tulane, 5-9 (L1)
10. Southern Methodist, 3-11 (L3)
11. East Carolina, 3-11 (W1)
12. Texas-El Paso, 3-11 (L1)

[randy]

Feb 15, 2008: Tulane (9-14, 5-9) @ #21 Rice (20-3, 12-2)


Tip off

TUL's SG Alvin Ware is averaging 24+ ppg, and he's got 17 pts already in the 1st half. But one man alone can't win a game, as the rest of his team shot just 5-17 FG.


Halftime, Up 50-30


Start of 2nd half

Our big men went to work early, and we increased our lead to 30. Our starters had an early rest, and we cruised along for an easy win despite the 35 pt effort of TUL's SG Alvin Ware (who put up an incredible 30 attempts from beyond the arc, making 11)


Final Score: Tulane - 63, Rice - 88


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 20, 10, 0, 3 blks, 10-12 FG (*)
Aylsworth 13, 3, 1, 3-6 3PT
Brown 11, 6, 2
Wilson 11, 3, 3
Lewis 9, 1, 0
Hancock 7, 5, 1, 3 tos
Tiggs 5, 5, 0, 3 tos
Ramsey 4, 2, 1
Smith 4, 1, 3
Sanders 2, 2, 1
Betts 2, 1, 0
Woods 0, 3, 4
Ashman 0, 1, 0
Kante 0, 0, 2
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 54-35%
REB: +13
TO: Even
Pts in paint: +32
2nd chance: +6
Fast break: +10
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 14-1 (W5)
2. Rice, 13-2 (W2)
3. Marshall, 10-5 (L1)
4. Southern Mississippi, 9-6 (W1)
5. Central Florida, 9-6 (L1)
6. Houston, 7-8 (W1)
7. Alabama-Birmingham, 7-8 (W3)
8. Tulsa 6-9 (L5)
9. Tulane, 5-10 (L2)
10. Southern Methodist, 4-11 (W1)
11. East Carolina, 3-12 (L1)
12. Texas-El Paso, 3-12 (L2)

[randy]

Feb 18, 2008: #21 Rice (21-3, 13-2) @ Marshall (14-11, 10-5)


Tip off

We made 10 of our 1st 11 shots, and ended the 1st half shooting 67% FG. But MARS is always a difficult opponent, and they remain close despite our good offensive showing. C Curtis Harper with 10 pts.


Halftime, Up 45-39


Start of 2nd half

We continue to shoot over 60% FG, as C Curtis Harper remains a force down low, and PG Jevon Wilson hitting a couple of 3s.
13:45, Up 59-49

We got into a series of turn overs, and just like that, MARS able to come up with a 10-0 run to tie the game. Had to burn an early timeout
11:40, Tied at 59

MARS run continue, and they were able to go up by 4. SG Daniel Ayls worth hits a 3. And then walk on C Mark Sanders converted a 3pt play opportunity to regain the lead. Sanders had been instrumental lately, scoring 7 of his 11 pts here in the 2nd half. After we got a steal, Aylsworth punctures another 3 again.
6:37, Up 72-67

It was MARS' turn to make another run, as they got a lot of pts in a hurry from beyond the arc, and also from the line
2:16, Down 74-78

We scored 3 FTs, sandwiching a defensive stop. Down 1. Bad defensive play led to an easy penetration by MARS. Timeout
0:42, Down 77-80

We don't necessarily need a 3. But PG Jevon Wilson took one, and missed. We have to give up fouls now. MARS splits their FTs, but it was enough for a 2 possession lead for them. We missed all 3 attempts on our final possession. Always a tough match up against MARS. We almost had them, but we let this one slip away


Final Score: Rice - 77, Rice - 81


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 18, 6, 1, 8-9 FG
Wilson 15, 1, 4, 2 stls
Sanders 11, 2, 0
Lewis 9, 3, 0
Aylsworth 8, 2, 1
Brown 5, 2, 1, 3 tos
Woods 4, 0, 7
Tiggs 3, 1, 0
Hancock 2, 4, 2
Smith 2, 2, 2
Ashman 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 52-53%
REB: -1
TO: Even
Pts in paint: +16
2nd chance: +1
Fast break: -3
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 15-1 (W6)
2. Rice, 13-3 (L1)
3. Marshall, 11-5 (W1)
4. Central Florida, 10-6 (W1)
5. Southern Mississippi, 9-7 (L1)
6. Houston, 8-8 (W2)
7. Alabama-Birmingham, 7-9 (L1)
8. Tulsa 6-10 (L6)
9. Southern Methodist, 5-11 (W2)
10. Tulane, 5-11 (L3)
11. Texas-El Paso, 4-12 (W1)
12. East Carolina, 3-13 (L2)

[randy]

Feb 19, 2008: Wyoming (17-10, 9-6) vs #21 Rice (21-4, 13-3)


Tip off

Pur 13-17 FTs helped offset our 1-6 3PT shooting. C Curtis Harper already with a double double, 12 pts and 11 rebs. We need to play better defense in the 2nd half, as WYO is shooting 59% FG.


Halftime, Up 47-37


Start of 2nd half

Teams are even in the 2nd half, with WYO continues to shoot well from the outside, while our big men dominate the inside.
12:15, Up 59-49

Our 2nd unit almost gave up our lead, but reserve C Mark Sanders scored 7 of our next 9 pts to get us back in control. We are in the penalty
7:38, Up 70-61

SF Ross Brown and SG Jevon Wilson engineered a 12-0 run to give us a 20 pt lead with just over 5 mins left. We coasted the rest of the way. Our shooting was much improved in the 2nd half to complement our dominant inside game. Excellent scoring balance, with 9 players scoring at least 8 pts each!


Final Score: Wyoming - 68, Rice - 94


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 17, 16, 0, 2 stls (*)
Wilson 15, 2, 5
Hancock 11, 2, 1
Lewis 10, 2, 1, 2 blks
Tiggs 9, 5, 1
Brown 8, 5, 0
Sanders 8, 2, 0
Aylsworth 8, 1, 0
Smith 8, 0, 1
Woods 0, 1, 6
Kante 0, 0, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 49-43%
REB: +3
TO: -12
Pts in paint: +34
2nd chance: +10
Fast break: +7
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 15-1 (W6)
2. Rice, 13-3 (L1)
3. Marshall, 11-5 (W1)
4. Central Florida, 10-6 (W1)
5. Southern Mississippi, 9-7 (L1)
6. Houston, 8-8 (W2)
7. Alabama-Birmingham, 7-9 (L1)
8. Tulsa 6-10 (L6)
9. Southern Methodist, 5-11 (W2)
10. Tulane, 5-11 (L3)
11. Texas-El Paso, 4-12 (W1)
12. East Carolina, 3-13 (L2)

[randy]

Feb 19, 2008: Southern Methodist (10-15, 5-11) vs #21 Rice (22-4, 13-3)


Tip off

Sloppy 1st half as both teams combined for 24 turn overs (SMU with 15). Our offensive rebounding gave us an 11-2 advantage in 2nd chance pts. C Curtis Harper was dominant once again, 13 pts, 8 rebs. PG Brian Smith contributed 8 pts off the bench, including a couple of 3s.


Halftime, Up 45-28


Start of 2nd half

Our perimeter players can't get it going at the start of the 2nd half, allowing SMU to inch closer. We'll start going more inside.
13:59, Up 49-36

We're calling more post up plays, and as a result our big men going to the FT line more often. We rebuilt our big lead, despite our shooting drop to 39% FG.
7:49, Up 62-44

SMU's starters were tired in the end game, and didn't have the legs to mount a late rally. C Curtis Harper reasserted himself inside the paint, as we completely pulled away. SMU had 27 turn overs


Final Score: Southern Methodist - 54, Rice - 82


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 21, 10, 0, 3 stls, 2 blks, 4 tos (*)
Lewis 13, 5, 1, 2 stls, 2 blks
Wilson 10, 0, 3, 3 stls
Hancock 9, 1, 0, 2 stls
Smith 8, 2, 5
Tiggs 8, 2, 0
Aylsworth 5, 4, 2
Brown 4, 4, 4, 3 stls
Woods 3, 1, 2
Sanders 1, 2, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 44-40%
REB: -4
TO: -18
Pts in paint: +28
2nd chance: +5
Fast break: +16
[/INDENT]


CUSA Standings

1. Memphis, 16-1 (W7)
2. Rice, 14-3 (W1)
3. Marshall, 11-6 (L1)
4. Southern Mississippi, 10-7 (W1)
5. Central Florida, 10-7 (L1)
6. Houston, 9-8 (W3)
7. Alabama-Birmingham, 7-10 (L2)
8. Tulane, 6-11 (W1)
9. Tulsa 6-11 (L7)
10. Southern Methodist, 5-12 (L1)
11. Texas-El Paso, 5-12 (W2)
12. East Carolina, 3-14 (L3)

[randy]

Feb 25, 2008: #21 Rice (23-4, 14-3) @ Southern Miss (15-12, 10-7)


Tip off

SMISS not able to match up against our front court. C Curtis Harper and C Richie Lewis combined for 24 pts on 9-12 FG, in the 1st half.


Halftime, Up 45-32


Start of 2nd half

SMISS is the more consistent team offensively in the 2nd half, and slowly but surely sliced our lead to 8. We have to increase intensity on defense
13:35, Up 56-48

Has been close since. SMISS continues to knock on the door, while we were able to manufacture pts while C Curtis Harper is resting on the bench.
7:17, Up 66-60

Much better defense during the last 2 mins of play, forcing SMISS to many turn overs. SF Speedy Hancock's last jumper extended our lead to 12 with less than 3 minutes left; Hancock has given us quality minutes off the bench today. We controlled the rebounds during the remainder of the game, and held on for the win.


Final Score: Rice - 82, Southern Miss - 68


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 27, 11, 0 (*)
Wilson 15, 4, 5, 2 stls
Lewis 14, 12, 0
Hancock 12, 4, 0
Brown 8, 4, 2, 2 stls
Tiggs 2, 3, 1
Aylsworth 2, 1, 1
Sanders 2, 0, 0
Woods 0, 1, 3
Smith 0, 0, 1
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 45-43%
REB: +6
TO: -8
Pts in paint: +22
2nd chance: +6
Fast break: +2
[/INDENT]


CUSA Final Standings

1. Memphis, 17-1 (W8)
2. Rice, 15-3 (W2)
3. Marshall, 11-7 (L2)
4. Central Florida, 11-7 (W1)
5. Southern Mississippi, 10-8 (L1)
6. Houston, 10-8 (W4)
7. Alabama-Birmingham, 8-10 (W1)
8. Tulsa 7-11 (W1)
9. Tulane, 6-12 (L1)
10. Southern Methodist, 5-13 (L2)
11. Texas-El Paso, 5-13 (L1)
12. East Carolina, 3-15 (L4)

[randy]

Mar 7, 2008: (7) Alabama-Birmingham (12-16, 8-10) vs (2) #19 Rice (24-4, 15-3)


Tip off

We lost at UAB earlier in the season, 89=92, in a game where we allowed them to shoot 58% FG.

In contrast to our last meeting, this was a defensive tussle. UAB started the game missing their 1st 8 shots, en route to a 33% FG performance in the 1st half, while we shot just a little better at 42% FG. UAB's bench outscored outscored us 23-8.


Halftime, Up 30-26


Start of 2nd half

UAB has hit 3 shots from beyond the arc, to keep themselves close in the game.
13:53, Up 44-38

Better defense, and contributions from our bench, allowed us to quickly extend our lead to 16 and force UAB to call consecutive timeouts.
11:55, Up 54-38

After being down by 18, UAB able to come back because of their outside shooting. It was my turn to burn a timeout
7:00, Up 63-55

Both teams trading baskets in the next 3 mins. PG Jevon Wilson (11 pts) just fouled out
3:52, Up 73-63

We had a chance to extend the lead to 12, but we turned the ball over. UAB able to cut our lead to 8. After we miss on our next possession, UAB drained their 10th 3pt shot of the game. Timeout
1:35, Up 75-70

SG Daniel Aylsworth hit a clutch basket. We got into the penalty on the next play, and UAB sank both FTs. Our lead remains at 5 with 1 min remaining. We used up some clock on the next play. We missed a shot, but we were able to get a steal on UAB's back court. UAB fouled, and we hit both FTs.
0:31, Up 79-72

UAB made another 3, but with less than 10 secs left, it was too late for them. A tough win for us, as our defense in the 2nd half wasn't exactly the way we want it to be.


Final Score: Alabama-Birmingham - 75, Rice - 79


Box Scores
[INDENT]Harper 18, 6, 1, 4 blks (*)
Brown 18, 4, 4
Wilson 11, 1, 6, fouled out
Aylsworth 9, 2, 2, 3 stls, 3 tos
Lewis 7, 3, 1
Tiggs 6, 4, 1
Woods 4, 5, 1
Hancock 4, 3, 0
Smith 2, 2, 3
Sanders 0, 1, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 58-45%
REB: +4
TO: +2
Pts in paint: +16
2nd chance: -4
Fast break: -5
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Mar 8, 2008: (6) Houston (18-13, 10-8) vs (2) #19 Rice (25-4, 15-3)


Tip off

HOU has been on a roll lately, winning 6 of their last 7 games, including a blowout victory over (3) Marshall in the last round, 69-44

We limited HOU to just 29% FG shooting, but we had 15 team fouls in the 1st half, and they were able to capitalize shooting 12-16 FT. C Curtis Harper already with 3 fouls.


Halftime, Tied at 28


Start of 2nd half

HOU's offense on fire at the start of the 2nd half, already with 17 pts in just over 5 mins. We need to step up our defense
14:47, Down 41-45

We're making some stops, but we turned the ball over 5 times in our next 7 possessions.
11:31, Down 44-47

C Richie Lewis went on a tear offensively, scoring 9 of our next 11 pts, as HOU got nailed on 47 pts. HOU is scoreless for almost 8 mins now
6:40, Up 55-47

We extended the lead to 10, until HOU hit their 1st FG (a 3) in more than 12 mins.
2:08, Up 59-52

HOU has switched earlier to 2-3 zone, forcing us to shoot 3s in our last few possessions, and we're missing them. HOU able to hit another 3 to cut our lead further. Timeout
1:22, Up 59-55

We turned the ball over on a bad pass. HOU also with a turn over. We miss another 3. But PG Jevon Wilson got the rebound, and got fouled. 1-and-1 FT for Wilson, and he made both.
0:21, Up 61-55

HOU missed their next 2 shots, and we held on for the win. Good thing we were able to pick up our defense middle of the 2nd half. C Richie Lewis had a productive 2nd half.


Final Score: Houston - 55, Rice - 61


Box Scores
[INDENT]Lewis 17, 7, 2, 2 stls, 8-11 FG (*)
Wilson 16, 4, 0, 3 tos
Woods 8, 3, 3
Tiggs 8, 2, 3
Brown 5, 8, 2
Smith 4, 1, 1
Harper 3, 8, 1, 2 blks
Aylsworth 0, 2, 3, 3 stls
Hancock 0, 2, 1
Sanders 0, 1, 0, 3 tos
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 42-34%
REB: +10
TO: -3
Pts in paint: +18
2nd chance: +6
Fast break: +12
[/INDENT]

[randy]

Mar 9, 2008: (2) #19 Rice (26-4, 15-3) vs (1) #8 Memphis (27-3, 17-1)


Tip off

MEM's All-American SG Derrick Jones is averaging 23 ppg.

We played tough physical defense in the 1st half. Even though we got into foul trouble early (MEM shot 16-19 FT), we forced MEM to shoot just 30% FG, including 0-9 3PT. In contrast, we shot 6-8 from deep. PG Jevon Wilson with 11 pts, so far outplaying his counterpart MEM's SG Derrick Wilson with only 5 pts, 1-6 FG


Halftime, Up 38-30


Start of 2nd half

MEM started out cold in the 2nd half, missing their 1st 5 attempts, but we missed our chances to get a more comfortable lead because of our turn overs. MEM now beginning to find their rhythm offensively, making 6 of their last 8 FG
12:21, Up 52-45

We're trying to buy some time, as most of our big men are in foul trouble. We're still doing a good job defensively, but our 13 turn overs has allowed MEM to stay close. We are in the penalty
7:54, Up 56-51

MEM steadily decreasing our lead from the foul line.
3:59, Up 63-61

Another turn over on our part. We got called for yet another foul, and MEM tied the game with 2 FTs. MEM has shot 26-31 FT. MEM monetarily got the lead, on a fast break play off another turn over. SF Ross Brown able to tie things up with a drive to the basket
1:51, Tied at 65

SF Ross Brown came up with a steal. On our next play, Brown hit a triple. Brown has come up with big plays on both ends of the floor.
1:22, Up 68-65

MEM missed a 3. On our next play, PG Brian Smith's shot was blocked. MEM called a timeout
0:50, Up 68-65

MEM missed another 3, but got an offensive rebound, and the put back by C Jamaal Jones (18 pts, 10 rebs) is good. That was a crucial opportunity that we wasted. Timeout
0:34, Up 68-67

We got the ball to C Richie Lewis down low. Lewis shoots, missed, but he got the offensive rebound. Second serving by Lewis is good! Timeout MEM.
0:22, Up 70-67

We were able to deny MEM's SG Derrick Jones to shoot the ball. Instead, his teammate SF Brian Peryy forcing a 3. Missed. We got the rebound, and able to dribble the time away.

CUSA Tournament Champs! We played 3 hard-fought games to win the title


Final Score: Rice - 70, Memphis - 67


Box Scores
[INDENT]Brown 16, 9, 0, 4-9 3PT (*)
Wilson 16, 5, 2, 4-6 3PT
Tiggs 10, 2, 1
Sanders 6, 4, 1, 2 stls
Lewis 6, 4, 1, 2 blks
Smith 5, 0, 3, 3 tos
Harper 4, 3, 2
Kante 3, 0, 4
Aylsworth 2, 2, 2
Hancock 2, 2, 1
Woods 0, 1, 2, 4 tos
Ramsey 0, 2, 0
Ashman 0, 0, 0
[/INDENT]
Stats Comparison
[INDENT]FG: 42-38%
REB: -2
TO: +2
Pts in paint: Even
2nd chance: -3
Fast break: -12
[/INDENT]