Rice Owls 80, Southern Jaguars 65

Posted: November 18, 2011 - 9:14 a.m. CST.

HOUSTON, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) -- Tamir Jackson's career-high 29 points helped the Rice Owls defeat the Southern Jaguars 80-65 Thursday night in front of an announced crowd of 1308 fans gathered inside Tudor Fieldhouse.

Jackson scored 17 points in the first half on 6 for 7 shooting from the field (2 for 3 on threes). Overall, Jackson made 9 of his 13 field goals including 4 of 5 from behind the three-point line.

"When you shoot like that, of course, you get into a rhythm," Jackson said. "I felt like I couldn't miss."

Despite Jackson's 17 first half points, the Owls (2-0) could not shake the Jaguars. Southern (1-2) led 23-22 before Jackson drained a three-point shot to put the Owls ahead by two (25-23). Then, Owls' freshman guard Dylan Ennis banged in consecutive three-point baskets to help stretch the Owls' lead to 31-24 with 7:39 left til halftime.

"I'm a pass first point guard," Ennis said. "But, when you have the ball in your hands, sometimes you feel like it's going to go in. My teammates got me open looks; and, I just tried to knock them down."

The Jaguars pulled within 40-37 before Jackson sank a jumper and Ennis made four three throws to give the Owls a 46-39 lead at halftime.

Owls' senior forward Lucas Kuipers made a jumper to give the Owls a 50-43 lead at the 14:31 mark; but, the Jaguars used four consecutive possessions where they scored a basket and got fouled to narrow the Owls' lead to 55-53 with 11:49 remaining.

The Owls defense improved and the Owls responded with a 10-0 run. Ennis assisted on a slam dunk by junior Arsalan Kazemi; and, Jackson made two free throws and swished to three point buckets during the run.

"Just playing with Dylan during that segment helped me out a lot," Jackson admitted. "It got me off the ball and let me do what I do on the wing."

The Owls stretched the lead to as large as 15; and, the Jaguars got no closer than eight points the rest of the game.

Kazemi posted his 29th-career double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.

The Owls did a much better job limiting their turnovers Thursday night. The Owls committed nine turnovers versus Southern compared to 25 turnovers in the season-opening win over the University of New Orleans.

The Owls defense down the stretch helped clinch the victory.

"I felt we did a much better job," Coach Ben Braun said. "We didn't give up an offensive rebound in the second half which was huge. Our position defense was better. We still got penetrated. But, our help rotation, we were getting beat; but, at least our help was their earlier.

"We did a much better job challenging their shots in the second half," added Coach Braun added. "I thought our defensive intensity was better in the second half. It was a learning experience for our team. They (Southern) do a good job controlling the tempo."

Coach Braun acknowledged his team needs to be more patient on offense and defense; but, "that will come."

The Owls next game is Sunday afternoon at home versus Maryland-Eastern Shore. Tip is set for 3 p.m.