Rice gets the Wazzu Cougs in game two in Alaska. WSU took a thumping from a solid UCSB bunch. The Gauchos led 34-12 at the half, after holding the Cougars to 10% from the floor in the first, and never looked back in the second.

I'd say I like our chances, but I don't know what are legs are like after our extra time game, and WSU put it in the tank early. Still a great opportunity for a win against a Pac 12 squad, even if to a perpetual cellar dweller.

Don't forget that Oregon State was also supposed to be a PAC 12 cellar dweller.

It looks like there is no TV for today or tomorrow's games?

Hopefully we can reset and get a victory. Mercer was a stronger, more physical team, and we hung with em into OT. I'm optimistic.

Big man Hawkinson carries WSU out to an early 12-0 lead. Everyone else on the court looking very sluggish.

Slow start. Rice down 2-14 to WSU at 14:53 in 1H.

Rice takes a timeout. WSU brings the energy out of it, Owls don't. Two very easy run outs surrendered.

Transition defense has been absolutely awful.

WSU up 24-9 on Rice with 11:36 left in 1H.

Seth starts to carry the team back, then benched after two strait excellent offensive sets. Puzzling to say the least. Following defensive and offensive sets were an immediate step back.

now down 17-29 with 7:17 left in 1H.

Owls' defense starting to show up. Two consecutive transition 3's brings Rice back within 9.

32-23 with 5:35 to go in the half.

Pollard hits Mo with a no look pass setting up a beautiful slam by Rivers.

Drone continues to struggle shooting down low, but he does have one beautiful sky hook.

Still a couple breakdowns, but the defense has started to find some rhythm as the offense slowly closes the gap. Game was as close as four before two late WSU FT's push their lead to 39-33.

Halftime.

Rice down 33-39 at the Half. Not sure why we seem to get down so much in these games then come back. Mency not feeling it in 1H. Maybe heats up in 2h?

Stats say Drone played 24 of 25 min in 1H. Guercy and Jackson next tied for 20 min ea.

I'm thinking Denzel Davis not being able to play much yet hurts the depth, along with losing Ross Wilson just before season. Maybe Davis can get into shape enough to make an impact in conference season? anybody have more inside info on how he's doing coming back from injury?

35-41 early in 2H. Drone scores first for Rice in 2H. 2nd pf for Drone.

38-44 WSU still leading with 15:17 left in 2H.

Mency mixing it up a bit, but still he has only 1 pt.

Low energy on both sides so far in the second. If we get our heads in the game, we can pull it out, but it'd be nice to start erasing the nine point deficit now with ten minutes to go.

Mo Rivers having a decent game in limited minutes. Draws the charge going into TV Timeout.

44-53 WSU leads with 10:44 to go.

51-59 WSU leads at 7:37 in 2H.

Stats on FT:
WSU 13-15 86.7%
Rice 10-14 71.4%

FG
WSU 20-42 47.6%
Rice 18-47 38.3%

3FG
WSU 6-13 46.2%
Rice 5-15 33.3%