Rice Rolls to Eighth Straight Win as Battiston and Flores Shine in Houston

Rice women’s basketball is heating up at the perfect time, and the Owls showed it again this week with an impressive win over Charlotte. Playing with confidence and pace, Rice leaned on standout performances from Malia Battiston and Dominique Flores to secure its eighth straight victory. The surge continues to energize fans across Houston as the Owls push deeper into conference play.

Battiston delivered one of her strongest outings of the season, knocking down big shots and steering the offense with poise. Flores added the interior presence Rice needed, dominating the paint and sparking key defensive stops. Their combined effort helped Rice control momentum from start to finish and eliminate Charlotte’s late-game push.

How Rice Took Control

The Owls attacked early by spreading the floor and forcing Charlotte into mismatches. Battiston set the tone by pushing the pace and knocking down open looks, while Flores provided stability around the rim. The balance between perimeter precision and paint pressure put Charlotte on its heels all night.

Defensively, Rice showcased discipline. Timely rotations and tight rebounding kept Charlotte from ever settling into an offensive rhythm. As the game progressed, the Owls continued to build separation through smart possessions, crisp passing, and consistent energy.

Why This Win Matters

Eight straight wins at this point in the season is more than a streak—it’s a message. Rice is emerging as one of the most cohesive and confident squads in its conference. With Battiston and Flores stepping up as reliable playmakers, the team has found both rhythm and identity.

Momentum like this can shape postseason seeding, boost recruiting visibility, and further elevate Rice’s growing reputation in Houston’s competitive sports landscape. Fans have every reason to pay attention as this group continues to surge.

What’s Next for the Owls

Rice now shifts focus to its next matchup, aiming to extend the streak and tighten its hold near the top of the standings. With confidence rising and chemistry building, the Owls are poised to make every upcoming game count.

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