Western Kentucky dominates Rice in 85-66 win
HOUSTON -- Darius Thompson scored 18 points and dished out 10 assists, Justin Johnson also got a double-double and Western Kentucky dominated Rice in an 85-66 win Saturday night.
Thompson had four 3-pointers and finished 6 of 8 from the field, while Johnson added 16 points to go with 13 rebounds. Dwight Coleby and Josh Anderson added 12 points apiece and Lamonte Bearden had 11 for Western Kentucky, which shot 56 percent from the field, including 10 for 18 from long range.
The Hilltoppers (20-7, 12-2 Conference USA) scored the game's first 10 points, took a 48-31 advantage into the break and never trailed in securing the program's 44th 20-win season.
Malik Osborne scored 15 points to lead Rice (5-22, 2-12) and Connor Cashaw and Miles Lester each scored 13. The Owls have lost six straight.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Andrew Walton
- Barry Mathis
- Chris Rastatter
2023-24 Conference USA Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Houston | 13-3 | - | 21-12 |
| Louisiana Tech | 12-4 | 1 | 22-10 |
| Western Kentucky | 8-8 | 5 | 22-12 |
| Liberty | 7-9 | 6 | 18-14 |
| UTEP | 7-9 | 6 | 18-16 |
| Middle Tennessee | 7-9 | 6 | 14-19 |
| New Mexico State | 7-9 | 6 | 13-19 |
| Jacksonville State | 6-10 | 7 | 14-18 |
| Florida International | 5-11 | 8 | 11-22 |
2023-24 American Athletic Conference Standings
| Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 16-2 | - | 25-8 |
| Florida Atlantic | 14-4 | 2 | 25-9 |
| Charlotte | 13-5 | 3 | 19-12 |
| UAB | 12-6 | 4 | 23-12 |
| Memphis | 11-7 | 5 | 22-10 |
| SMU | 11-7 | 5 | 20-13 |
| North Texas | 10-8 | 6 | 19-15 |
| Tulsa | 7-11 | 9 | 16-15 |
| East Carolina | 7-11 | 9 | 15-18 |
| Tulane | 5-13 | 11 | 14-17 |
| Temple | 5-13 | 11 | 16-20 |
| Wichita State | 5-13 | 11 | 15-19 |
| UTSA | 5-13 | 11 | 11-21 |
| Rice | 5-13 | 11 | 11-21 |
Men's College Basketball News
