Owls lose to Tulane

Posted: January 13, 2013 -- 6:00 p.m. CST

HOUSTON, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) -- The Rice Owls didn't finish what they started Thursday night; and, as a result, the Owls lost to the Tulane Green Wave 69-65 in front of an announced gathering of 365 people.

The Owls led 23-13 after a layup by sophomore post ; but, the Owls' offense stagnated and the Green Wave's offense heated up and outscored the Owls 27-15 over the final 11 minutes of the first half.

Jessica Kuster, Owls junior forward, sank a three point shot with seconds remaining in the opening half to reduce the Owls' deficit to five points (40-35) at halftime.

Nakachi (Nikki) Maduka converted a three-point play in the opening seconds of the second half to trim Tulane's lead to 40-38; but, the Owls could not get over the proverbial hump the rest of the second half.

The Owls (9-7 overall, 1-2 in Conference USA) finally tied the game at 56 with 7:12 on the clock; however, three Owls' turnovers doomed the Owls and, the Green Wave (13-3, 2-1 overall) responded w/ an 8-0 run over a four minute span to lead 64-56 with 3:51 on the game clock.

Maduka made two free throws for a 64-58 Green Wave lead; but, the Green Wave failed to deliver a knock out blow and helped the Owls stay within striking distance by missing five of 8 free throws in the final 70 seconds.

Christal Porter made a jump shot to pull the Owls within 68-64 with 22 seconds left in the game; and, with 4 seconds remaining in the game, Porter was fouled and went to the foul line. Porter made the first free throw attempt; and, intentionally missed the second free throw. However, her second free throw attempt failed to hit the rim (clanged off the backboard) which is an automatic free throw violation. Tulane's ball.

Tyra Snow was fouled; and, she kept the fans interested in the final outcome by missing the first of two foul shots. However, Snow rolled in the second free throw for the final margin of 69-65.

The Owls turned the ball over 12 times in the second half.

Christal Porter scored a team-high 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Jessica Kuster added 15 points and seven rebounds. Nakachi Maduka added 13 points and Megan Palmer chipped in 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Owls' next game in on the road, Sunday, January 20, at SMU. Tip is set for 2 p.m.