Owls Defeat Tulane for Twelfth Consecutive Win

Saturday, January 24

Houston, Texas

1 p.m.

Rice University

17-3,7-0American

Tulane

8-11,3-4American

Tulane

Rice

Photo by: ©Juan DeLeon Creative

Owls Defeat Tulane for Twelfth Consecutive Win

1/24/2026 4:59:00 PM | Women's Basketball

Box Score

By: Anthony Roberts (ar186@rice.edu)

HOUSTON – The Rice women's basketball team used a strong defensive second half to defeat Tulane 70-60 Saturday afternoon at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Owls earn their twelfth consecutive win to move to 17-3 (7-0 American), while Tulane falls to 8-11 (3-4 American).

Shelby Hayes led the way with 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal, while Victoria Flores added 15 points, five assists, five steals and two rebounds. Aniah Alexis finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal. Dominique Ennis rounded out the double-digit scorers with 13 points, two rebounds and a steal.

As a team, Rice shot 27-of-62 (43.5%) from the floor and 6-of-20 (30%) from three-point range. The Owls added a 10-of-11 (90.9%) display from the free throw line. Rice scored 22 points off of 17 Tulane turnovers.

Postgame Reaction – Shelley Pennington and Friends Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds
"I'm just really proud. I'm proud of this group. Tulane came out really hot and came out looking to be super aggressive on the offensive end and we got off to a little bit of a slow start defensively. We really challenged this group at the end of the first quarter to defend better. We gave up 24 points in the first quarter and then held them to 25 points the entire second half. They responded really well. Their toughness, their togetherness and they never looked to back down."

For the full press conference, click here.

HOW IT HAPPENED,
First Quarter
The two sides went back-and-forth to open the game, with scores from Hailey Adams, Alexis and Ennis keeping pace with Tulane. Following an and-one conversion by Hayes, Flores put the Owls up three with a layup. Tied, consecutive threes by Alexis and Flores put Rice up six. Both sides were tied 24-24 at the end of one.

Second Quarter
Myah Hazelton and Jordin Blackmon got the offense going to open the second, as the Owls went in front. Down by three, Flores and Alexis combined for a 6-0 run as the Owls went up by three. Up one, Hayes closed the half with a score before the horn to put Rice up 38-35 at the half.

Third Quarter
Tulane opened the third quarter scoring before Hayes got Rice back on the board. Leading by one, Hayes and Adams hit back-to-back layups, with Ennis sinking a three to push the lead up to eight. Alexis and Hayes continued the run up to a 13-point lead before Tulane got back on the board. Rice led 55-47 at the end of three.

Fourth Quarter
Flores and Hazelton hit consecutive scores to open the fourth. Leading by 11 points, another Ennis three gave Rice a 62-48 lead. Flores and Hayes carried the scoring the rest of the way as the Owls sealed the win.

Quick Notes
Alexis had a career-high 12 rebounds.
Flores had a career-high five steals.
Rice's 12-game win streak is tied for the second longest in program history.
The Owls are now 15-18 all-time against the Green Wave.

UP NEXT
Rice closes the homestand Wednesday night against Temple.