Rice Drops Non-Conference Finale Against Pepperdine

The Rice Owls wrapped up their non-conference schedule with a challenging road trip to Pepperdine, where they fell short in a tough matchup that tested their depth and consistency. The loss ends Rice’s non-league slate and sends the Owls back to Houston eager to regroup before conference competition begins.

Rice fought to keep pace throughout the night, but Pepperdine’s offensive rhythm and second-half surge made the difference. The Owls showed flashes of sharp ball movement and solid shooting, but late-game runs from the Waves widened the gap. Rice now shifts its focus to conference play, where every possession will carry even more weight.

Why It Matters

This matchup serves as a measuring stick for Rice as it transitions into the heart of the season. Non-conference finales often reveal strengths and highlight areas needing refinement, and this game was no exception. With the conference schedule approaching, the Owls will look to tighten their defense, boost rebounding, and find more scoring consistency.

Fans in Houston will be watching closely as the team returns home. Conference play brings a fresh slate and new opportunities, especially with several key home games on the horizon.

What’s Next

Rice turns the page quickly and prepares for the intensity of league competition. With valuable lessons from their non-conference run, the Owls aim to reset, recover, and respond. Strong early conference results could reignite momentum as they enter the most meaningful stretch of the season.

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