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Rice University Athletics
Women’s Basketball to Host The Rice Invitational
7/24/2026 11:04:00 AM | Women's Basketball
HOUSTON – The Rice women's basketball team is set to host The Rice Invitational during Thanksgiving week as part of the 2026-27 non-conference schedule. The two-game MTE will be played on November 25 and 27 at Tudor Fieldhouse, with the Owls playing one game each day.
The Owls will face UTRGV and Lamar for the two games, with UIC also taking part in the event.
"I am excited to announce the Rice Invitational for this upcoming season," said Shelley Pennington and Friends Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds. "This will be a great week of basketball for us, going up against two teams that had 20 wins last season and both reached postseason play. I'm excited to be able to spend Thanksgiving week at home with our team this year."
UTRGV was 21-14 (16-6 Southland) last season, reaching the second round of the WNIT, defeating Austin Peay on the road in the opening round. The 21 wins for the Vaqueros are the most in the program's history.
Lamar went 20-11 (17-5 Southland) a year ago, falling to Portland in the first round of the WNIT. The Cardinals secured their fourth consecutive 20-win season last year.
UIC is coming off a 14-18 (9-11 Missouri Valley) season, falling to Evansville in the first round of the MVC Tournament.
The Owls are coming off one of the greatest seasons in program history, highlighted by a program record 29 wins, 22-game win streak and the American Conference regular season championship. Reigning American Conference Player of the Year Victoria Flores and Sixth Player of the Year Louann Battiston return to lead the Owls, along with standouts Hailey Adams and Aniah Alexis.
Ticketing information will be available at a later time.
The Rice Invitational
Wednesday, November 25
Game One (12:00 p.m. CT): Rice vs. UTRGV
Game Two (3:00 p.m. CT): UIC vs. Lamar
Friday, November 27
Game Three (12:00 p.m. CT) UIC vs. UTRGV
Game Four (3:00 p.m. CT): Rice vs. Lamar
The Owls will face UTRGV and Lamar for the two games, with UIC also taking part in the event.
"I am excited to announce the Rice Invitational for this upcoming season," said Shelley Pennington and Friends Head Coach Lindsay Edmonds. "This will be a great week of basketball for us, going up against two teams that had 20 wins last season and both reached postseason play. I'm excited to be able to spend Thanksgiving week at home with our team this year."
UTRGV was 21-14 (16-6 Southland) last season, reaching the second round of the WNIT, defeating Austin Peay on the road in the opening round. The 21 wins for the Vaqueros are the most in the program's history.
Lamar went 20-11 (17-5 Southland) a year ago, falling to Portland in the first round of the WNIT. The Cardinals secured their fourth consecutive 20-win season last year.
UIC is coming off a 14-18 (9-11 Missouri Valley) season, falling to Evansville in the first round of the MVC Tournament.
The Owls are coming off one of the greatest seasons in program history, highlighted by a program record 29 wins, 22-game win streak and the American Conference regular season championship. Reigning American Conference Player of the Year Victoria Flores and Sixth Player of the Year Louann Battiston return to lead the Owls, along with standouts Hailey Adams and Aniah Alexis.
Ticketing information will be available at a later time.
The Rice Invitational
Wednesday, November 25
Game One (12:00 p.m. CT): Rice vs. UTRGV
Game Two (3:00 p.m. CT): UIC vs. Lamar
Friday, November 27
Game Three (12:00 p.m. CT) UIC vs. UTRGV
Game Four (3:00 p.m. CT): Rice vs. Lamar
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