HOUSTON – Rice would lead from start to finish as TSU women's basketball dropped a 59-47 road decision Wednesday night at Tudor Fieldhouse.
Despite playing with only nine players, TSU put forth its best effort to open the contest as Rice led 5-0 until Jada Perry scored a layup for a 5-2 margin. Niya Mitchell would cut the score to 5-4 after catching an Ashley Austin assist but the Owls would counter with a 7-0 run over the next 3:13 to move ahead 12-4 as they were aided by three TSU turnovers during the run. Another layup from Mitchell would end the run as TSU settled down on both ends of the floor and cut its deficit to 15-9 at the end of the quarter.
TSU would miss its first three shots to open the second quarter and by the time they would return to the scoreboard with 7:10 remaining, the deficit increased 20-11. TSU would get back into the contest with a 6-1 run after baskets from Mitchell, Ariana Taylor and Jala Buster as they trailed 23-17 with 4:05 remaining. Turnovers over the final 4:05 would be TSU's own worst enemy as they committed four during that span which prevented them from drawing closer. Rice would lead 27-17 late in the contest until TSU's Skye Green converted a three-point play the old-fashioned way to cut the margin to 27-20. TSU had one final attempt with the half winding down to cut into the deficit even more but couldn't capitalize on a late scoring opportunity as they trailed 27-20 at the half.
Two quick baskets from Zyan Reynolds and Jala Buster drew TSU to within 29-24 less than a minute in but Rice took advantage of the free throw line and a layup to move ahead 34-24. Ashley Austin connected with Mitchell on a well-placed assist to get back in the scoring column followed by a free throw from Jada Perry to draw within 34-27. On the ensuing possession however, Rice went inside out and moved back up 37-27 after a three-pointer but TSU would keep battling as they turned up the intensity defensively which sparked a mini 4-2 run which drew them to within 39-33. Unfortunately, Rice would connect on three of its next four shots down the stretch along with a pair of free throws at the end of the quarter which turned the tide of the game en route to a 47-34 Rice lead entering the final quarter.
TSU stepped up its game defensively in the final quarter but couldn't take advantage of it on the offensive end on a consistent basis as Rice managed to hold the Tigers off for the win.
Mitchell finished one rebound short of a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds while Perry added nine points.
TSU is back in action next Tuesday at Colorado for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
