Rice Women’s Basketball staved off a furious fourth quarter rally from Charlotte to secure their 22nd consecutive victory, the longest streak in program history.
As has been the case for much of their extended winning streak, Rice women’s basketball took an early lead against Charlotte and stayed at least a step ahead of the 49ers from the start, albeit not without some challenges from the hosting 49ers. Rice never led by more than seven in the first quarter and Charlotte would punch back to take a brief one-point lead midway through the second frame.
Ahead by six at halftime, the Owls made their biggest push yet to open the third quarter, outscoring Charlotte 13-3 from the start of the period, growing their lead to as many as 16 points. On the brink of falling out of contention, Charlotte had one final push still to come.
MORE: Playing with Joy — Rice Women’s Basketball Secret to Sustained Success
Charlotte got back within 11 to start the fourth quarter, holding Rice scoreless for more than five minutes of court time to get back within one point with 2:37 to play. The Owls’ lone bucket in the final six minutes came from Aniah Alexis, who knocked down a layup in the final minute to give the Owls some breathing room before Victoria Flores iced the game with free throws.
The win was head coach Lindsay Edmonds’ 100th of her coaching career. With the victory, Rice women’s basketball improves to 27-3 on the season and 16-0 in league play. It was the 22nd consecutive victory for the Owls, the longest winning streak in program history.
Final Box | Rice 63, Charlotte 56
Key takeaway | Willpower
Winning 22 consecutive games is hard. There’s a reason it had never been done before in Rice women’s basketball program history even with some of the great teams that came before this one. Yet, the 2025-2026 team did it. And it seemed only fitting that they got there with a pair of games that couldn’t have been more different.
In their last time out before the Charlotte win, Rice bludgeoned Tulsa by 40 points. This time around, it was close, gritty and came down to the final moments.
Good teams can execute a plan when things go well. Great teams can overcome mistakes and obstacles. Legendary teams find a way, no matter what.
Guard Dominique Ennis relayed the level of focus this impressive feat required. “Just taking it a day at a time. One game at a time. One practice at a time,” she said postgame. “I think that’s why you’ve seen our consistency all year.”
That consistency has built an unforgettable run as the calendar turns to March. Soon, they can set their eyes on the conference tournament and, hopefully, a return to the NCAA Tournament. They’ve certainly earned it.
Up Next: vs UTSA (Sat. Mar. 7 at 2:00 pm)