Rice University
New Mexico
Owls Fall to New Mexico in WNIT Second Round
3/20/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
By Kenny Bybee (kab10@rice.edu)
New Mexico 93-Rice 73 (PDF Box Score)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - The Rice Owls women's basketball team's incredible run through the 2017-18 season came to a close on Tuesday evening, falling to New Mexico 93-73 in the second round of the Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT).
Playing in the WNIT for the first time since 2011, Rice (23-10) finished the season with 23 wins, which ranks as the second-most in school history, a feat coming on the heels of 22 wins last season and a WBI title.
The Owls returned to postseason play in consecutive years for the first time since 2011-12.
On Tuesday, the Owls were led by sophomore redshirt guard Erica Ogwumike, who scored a Rice season-high 31 points to go along with a team-high 10 rebounds for her 15th double-double of the season. Ogwumike made 11-of-19 shots from the field (4-of-8 from deep) and 5-of-7 at the free throw line to become the first Owl to post 30 or more points since Christal Porter in 2015.
In addition, Ogwumike (574 points) surpassed Rice legend and Hall of Fame member Pat Krieger (555 points; 1979-80) for the second-highest scoring season in program history.
New Mexico (25-10) had four players score in double-figures, led by a team-high 28 points from Jaisa Nunn. The Lobos took advantage of 22 Rice turnovers, which they converted into 26 points.
Next season the Owls are set to return all but senior team captain Wendy Knight, who graduates with the sixth-most made three-pointers (141) in program history.
-RiceOwls.com-
