The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication
by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.

Owls defeat UTPA Broncs 75-54

Owls' Jessica Kuster lead three Owls in double-digits w/ 18 points

Posted: December 28, 2012 -- 11:02 p.m. CST

HOUSTON, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) -- The Rice Owls won the fifth consecutive game Friday night with a decisive 75-54 victory over the University of Texas-Pan American Broncs in front of a miniscule crowd of 179 fans.

Three Owls scored in double digits. Jessica Kuster scored a game-high 18 points and snared 10 boards for her fifth double-double in her last six games. In her first career start, Owls senior forward Zoe Rogers scored 15 points; pulled down six rebounds; and dished three assists. Megan Shafer added 10 points off the bench.

The Broncs scored the first points of the game; and, in fact, the Broncs made their first four field goal attempts and led the Owls 8-4 barely two minutes into the game.

Kuster scored seven points during a 14-0 blitz by the Owls (7-4); but, the Broncs took advantage of a few defensive lapses by the Owls and tied the game at 26 at the 7:48 mark of the first half.

Owls freshman Alyssa Lang sank a jump shot for a 28-26 lead and, seconds later, sophomore Megan Shafer picked up a steal and converted a three-point play for a five point lead. The Owls closed the half with a 12-2 run.

Nakachi "Nikki" Maducha swished a three-point shot at the buzzer to close out the first half. The Owls led 38-28 at the break.

The Broncs (5-8) scored the first two points of the second half; but, Kuster scored the next five points for a 43-30 Owls' lead. The Owls' lead did not shrink below 10 points the rest of the half.

The Owls will play their second of three games in five days Sunday, December 30, when they host Lamar Sunday afternoon. Tip is set for 2 p.m.

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