The Rice Owls men’s and women’s basketball teams are tipping off their 2025-26 campaigns this week, looking to build early momentum and set the tone for the season ahead.
The Rice men’s team started strong, opening the year with a 109-38 home victory Tuesday night against the College of Biblical Studies at Tudor Fieldhouse. Under second-year head coach Rob Lanier, the Owls now will travel to Eugene, Oregon, to take on the Oregon Ducks at 9 p.m. Friday. Lanier said the nonconference slate is designed to challenge and elevate his group following a 13-19 record last season.
“We are excited about the challenges our nonconference schedule offers,” Lanier said. “It is going to take us to some outstanding venues where we will get to experience some of the best environments in all of college basketball. It will also pit us against some of the most well-established coaches in our game as well as some of the game’s up-and-coming leaders. The schedule overall represents the next step in our progression as a program.”
On the women’s side, fifth-year head coach Lindsay Edmonds leads the Owls after a 17-17 campaign in 2024-25 and a strong push in the conference tournament. Their opening game is also Friday — at 7 p.m. in Brookings, South Dakota, versus the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.
“We are thrilled to get the 2025-26 season underway and eager to see where we stack up against some of the best midmajor teams in the nation,” Edmonds said. “Our nonconference slate features seven postseason teams from last year, so we are excited for some intense matchups and know we will be battle-tested heading into the challenging American Conference schedule.”
To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit riceowls.com.