Rice Owls Top Prairie View

Posted: November 9, 2012 -- 11:45 p.m. CST

HOUSTON, TX (Tudor Fieldhouse) -- The Rice Owls began the 2012-'13 season with a methodical 57-42 win over the Prairie View A&M Lady Panthers Friday night in front of an announced crowd of 406 rowdy fans.

The Owls (1-0) limited the Lady Panthers (0-1) to 30% (9 for 30) field goal shooting in the first half and 27.3% (9 for 33) field goal shooting in the second half half.

The game featured a matchup of two preseason conference Players of the Year: the Owls' Jessica Kuster (Conference USA) and PV's Latia Williams (SWAC).

Advantage: Kuster.

Though both players produced double-doubles, Kuster's 21 points and 12 rebounds were much more efficient and effective as she made 9 of her 13 field goal attempts. Williams' 10 points and 13 rebounds were more of a struggle as she made just 5 of her 16 shot attempts and turned the ball over five times.

Neither team shot the ball well in the first half. The Owls shot 33.3% (12 for 36) in the opening 20 minutes; but, they led 29-19 at the half.

Ironically, the Owls shot 50% (12 for 24) in the second half; but, they committed 13 of their 16 turnovers in the second stanza.

The Lady Panthers trailed by as much as 20 points (57-37) in the second half and never got closer than 10 points in the half.

The Lady Panthers will host Stephen F. Austin, Tuesday, November 13. Tip is set for 5:30 pm at the Baby Dome.

The Owls' next game will be Thursday, November 15, on the road, versus the Tennessee Lady Vols. Tip is set for 6 pm.