Rice Aims for Ninth Straight Win as Owls Host UAB in Houston Showdown

Rice men’s basketball is rolling into mid-January with serious momentum. The Owls are riding an impressive eight-game win streak and will look to keep their streak alive on Wednesday night when they host UAB at home in Houston. The matchup marks one of Rice’s most important early Conference USA tests and comes at a time when confidence inside the locker room couldn’t be higher.

The Owls have found their rhythm on both ends of the court. Their offense has surged behind improved ball movement, a steady scoring punch from their core rotation, and more consistency from the perimeter. Defensively, Rice has tightened up late in games, helping them close out several tight wins during the streak.

What to Expect on Wednesday

UAB enters the contest with a reputation for physical play and a fast, aggressive pace. The Blazers have historically given Rice trouble, but this year’s Owls squad has shown a level of poise that sets them apart from recent seasons. A win would mark nine straight for Rice — something the program hasn’t enjoyed often in the modern era.

Another key storyline is how the Owls respond to the pressure of continued success. Home-court advantage should help; the crowd inside Tudor Fieldhouse has grown louder and more energetic with each win. If Rice can dictate the tempo early and avoid foul trouble, the Owls will be in strong position to defend their home floor.

Why It Matters

This midseason showdown carries clear implications for tournament seeding and conference positioning. More importantly for Rice fans, it signals that the program is gaining competitive traction at a crucial point in the season. A victory over UAB would reinforce Rice’s status as a legitimate contender in the league and extend one of the hottest streaks in Houston sports right now.

This article is a summary of reporting by Rice University Athletics. Read the full story here.