Rice University
UTSA
Owls Race Past Roadrunners, 71-46
12/30/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 30, 2011
San Antonio - Sophomore Jessica Kuster did not disappoint her hometown fans.
The San Antonio native and Reagan H.S. product scored a game-high 21 points and grabbed a career-high 21 rebounds to lead Rice in a convincing 71-46 road win over UTSA Friday night. The Owls even their record at 6-6, while the Roadrunners drop to 4-9.
It also marked Kuster's team-leading seventh double-double of the season in 35 minutes of action. Kuster also blocked a season-high 5 shots with a steal. Her previous career-high rebounds was 20 last season vs. UAB (Jan. 23, 2011).
Brianna Hypolite (11 points) was the only other Owl in double-digit scoring. Candace Ashford scored 8 points, while Jessica Goswitz and Amenemope McKinney each scored 7 points.
UTSA was led by Judy Jones' 16 points off the bench, while Kamra King added 11 points.
Rice was up 18-16 (6:09) when it proceeded to go on an 8-0 run for a 26-16 lead (4:27) for its biggest lead of the half. The Owls were also ahead 28-18, before UTSA made four throws to cut the deficit.
The Owls ended the half up 31-23 with only 9 turnovers and outrebounded the Roadrunners 24 to 15. Rice shot 37.5 percent (12-32) and held UTSA to only 30.8 percent (8-26).
Jessica Kuster led Rice with 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks in the first 20 minutes.
Rice reached its biggest lead of the game (12 points) at 48-36 (9:40) on an Amenemope McKinney basket that followed a trey by D'Frantz Smart.
Another McKinney bucket and two free throws from Kuster pushed the Owl lead to 14 at 52-38 (7:07). Rice then went on an 9-0 run for a commanding 21-point lead (61-40) at 4:47.
Rice closed the game on a 10-2 run for the final margin at 71-46. The 25-point victory is the third largest of the season for Rice.
The Owls shot 42 percent in the second half and finished the game at 40 percent (26-65) to UTSA's 30.2 percent (16-53). Rice also outrebounded the Roadrunners 51 to 30.
The Owls are in action on January 2 when they pay a visit to Lamar (7 p.m.).
