The top-seeded Rice women's basketball team was defeated by Middle Tennessee State University 68-65 in the championship game of the Conference USA Tournament March 13 in Frisco, Texas.
The Owls (18-4) next play in the Women's National Invitational Tournament, opening against Arizona State University at 11 a.m. Friday in Fort Worth.
Rice captured the C-USA West Division title with the best record in league play this season after winning the regular season championship in both 2018-19 and 2019-20. The Owls were seeking a second consecutive conference tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance after being denied an opportunity to accomplish both feats last season when the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the cancellation of postseason play.
Rice reached the C-USA championship game with a victory over Florida International University in the quarterfinals and a win against Old Dominion University in the semifinals. Owls Nancy Mulkey and Lauren Schwartz were named to the all-tournament team.
The Rice men (15-13 overall), a No. 6 seed in their C-USA Tournament, were eliminated in a 73-60 loss to the second-seeded University of Alabama at Birmingham Thursday in the quarterfinals. The Owls, who finished the season 15-13, claimed a 61-52 victory Tuesday over the University of Southern Mississippi in the opening round and a 72-68 win Wednesday against Marshall University in the second round.
For more, visit RiceOwls.com.
