Rice’s Second-Half Surge Lifts Owls Past Grambling State in Houston

Rice men's basketball found its rhythm when it mattered most, using a sharp second-half shooting run to pull away from Grambling State at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston. Several Owls stepped up after halftime, helping flip a tight matchup into a much-needed home victory.

The Owls worked through a slow first half but never let Grambling State stretch its lead. Once the teams returned from the break, Rice’s offense ignited. Crisp ball movement created clean looks, and the shots that wouldn’t fall earlier suddenly started dropping. The surge gave Rice control, energy, and separation on the scoreboard.

Why the Win Matters for Rice

Consistency has been a focus for the Owls this season. Getting a strong second-half response shows growing maturity and confidence. It also keeps Rice on track as they move toward the heart of their schedule.

Home wins are especially valuable at this stage. Each one builds momentum, strengthens chemistry, and reinforces the Owls’ identity on both ends of the floor.

What’s Next

Rice will look to carry this shooting touch and late-game composure into its upcoming matchups. Building on this victory could help shape the team’s early-season trajectory and boost confidence in conference play.

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