Rice University
0-2
Georgia State
2-0
Shooting Woes Derail Rice
11/14/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 14, 2017
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By: Tim Andrzejewski (tim.andrzejewski@rice.edu)
A.J. Lapray led the Owls (0-2) with career-highs of 12 points on four three-pointers. Ako Adams scored 10 points and grabbed a career-high six rebounds and Malik Osborne led all players with eight boards.
The teams started off slow, as Rice missed its first six shots and GSU started 2-of-9. Georgia State led 5-0 in the first four minutes, but Rice tied the game on two Adams free throws and a Bishop Mency three-pointer three minutes later. However, Rice missed its next six shots and turned the ball over six times, as the Panthers went on a 20-3 run over the next 10 minutes to take its largest lead of the half, 25-8.
The teams went back-and-forth, as Rice was able to cut the deficit to 11 with 3:01 left in the half on an Adams three-pointer. But, after trading baskets, GSU closed the half on an 8-2 run, as Rice went into the locker room trailing 42-25.
"All the credit goes to Georgia State," said Rice head coach Scott Pera. "They are a very good team and we knew coming into this week that we would have to play very well. We obviously didn't do that, but that's a credit to them and what they do. We need to be better, play better (and) coach better and we'll get back to work tomorrow."
The teams went back-and-forth for most of the second half. Connor Cashaw made a three and Osborne hit a jumper to cut the deficit to 18 points. However, GSU answered with five straight points, pushing their lead to as many as 26 in the second half.
Rice shot just 35.7% from the field and 34.8% from three. Georgia State connected on 46.0% from the floor and just 32.4% three. Rice outrebounded the Panthers, 35-to-32, but Georgia State forced the Owls into 23 turnovers while committing just 12.
Rice heads out on the road for the first time this season this Friday, Nov. 17, when it travels to Natchitoches, La., to face Northwestern State. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT.
