Rice women’s basketball had to gut it out in overtime to earn a hard fought win over Illinois State at the Puerto Rico Shootout.
Onlookers in Puerto Rico were treated to a physical back-and-forth affair between Rice women’s basketball and Illinois State on Wednesday. The two squads were tied at the end of the first quarter and separated by just a single point at halftime.
Shelby Hayes extended the Owls’ lead to five points midway through the third frame, the largest margin by any team to that point, but the contest still never felt in hand. That was made quite apparent when Illinois State answered with a run of their own to take an eight-point advantage early in the fourth quarter.
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Trailing by no small margin with less eight minutes to play, Rice went to work, leaning on free throws from Aniah Alexias and Victoria Flores with the continued impressive play of Hayes, who finished with a career-high 23-points and 15 rebounds. She was instrumental in getting the Owls out of that hole and into overtime.
Once the extra period arrived, Rice was ready. The Owls traded a few baskets before winning this game with free throws and defense. Illinois State missed all three field goals they attempted in the final minute as Rice closed out the game. Guard Dominic Ennis crossed 1,000 career points in the winning effort.
Rice women’s basketball improves to 4-2 on the season and 2-2 away from Tudor Fieldhouse.
Final Box | Rice 75, Illinois State 72 (OT)
What They’re Saying
“I’m so proud of this team, our toughness and grit that we showcased today was incredible. We stepped up and made shots and free throws when needed, and got big-time stops on the defensive end when the game was on the line. Dom and Shelby really showed up to lead us as seniors should on both ends of the floor.” – Rice women’s basketball head coach Lindsay Edmonds
Key takeaway | Comeback Queens
For the second consecutive game, Rice found itself in a decently sized deficit in the fourth quarter. Rice trailed by 12 against Incarnate Word and eight to Illinois State, but found a way to come back and win both games. When we get to the end of the season, the how will be less important than the final result and team’s that can close when it matters are typically the ones that fair the best in March.
Rice women’s basketball is a long way from worrying about the end of the regular season, but it’s nice to see this team find a way to start stacking some wins. It’s proof the talent is there. They just need to find ways to maximize it.
Up Next: Puerto Rico Shootout vs Morgan State (Nov. 27 at 4:30 pm)
