Rice was held to just 28.9% from the field as it fell to No. 3 Houston, 75-39, Wednesday night at the Fertitta Center.

The Story
Rice held Houston to just 3-of-11 shooting through the first eight minutes as three-pointers from Travis Evee, Alem Huseinovic and Mekhi Mason gave the Owls a 9-8 lead. However, Rice made just two of its next 10 shots as the Cougars went on a 22-4 run over the next seven minutes to take its largest lead of the half, 30-13. After trading baskets, Huseinovic hit his second three with 3:32 to play in the half. But the Owls were held scoreless the rest of the way as they went into halftime trailing, 34-18.

The teams traded baskets to open the second half. But the Owls turned the ball over in four of their first five possessions as Houston went on a 9-0 run to take a 45-20 lead. Rice would get no closer than 22 points the rest of the way.

The Stats
Rice was held to 28.9% (13-of-45) from the field and 23.8% (5-of-21) from three. Houston connected on 47.0% (31-of-66) from the floor and 36.4% (8-of-22) from three. The Owls were outrebounded, 43-to-29.

What Head Coach Scott Pera Had to Say
"Give all the credit to Houston. We know how good they are and how good this program has become. I thought our guys' effort was good tonight. I was very proud of them. Obviously, Houston took us out of a lot. But I am encouraged by some things."

Notes
• This was 84th meeting between Rice and Houston, with UH holding a 66-18 lead in the series.
• In games played at Houston, the Owls are 7-34.
• G Alem Huseinovic scored a team-high 10 points, his second double-figure game of the year and the fourth of his career.
• G Mekhi Mason tied a season-high with six rebounds to lead the team.
• F Keanu Dawes scored seven points and had five rebounds.

Next Up
Rice returns to the hardwood next Wednesday, Dec. 13, when it hosts Incarnate Word in the annual School House Mania game. Tip-off is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. CT and the game will be streamed by ESPN+.