The Rice women’s basketball team secured its 22nd consecutive victory, setting a new program record, with a 63-56 win over Charlotte at Halton Arena on Tuesday night. The result also marked the 100th career win for head coach Lindsay Edmonds. With this win, Rice improved to a 27-3 overall record and remains undefeated in American Athletic Conference play at 17-0. Charlotte’s record dropped to 13-17 (7-10 American).
Dominique Ennis led Rice with 23 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Shelby Hayes contributed a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds along with two assists and one block. Aniah Alexis added 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block.
Rice finished the game shooting just under 40 percent from the field (24-of-61) and made three of eleven attempts from beyond the arc. At the free throw line, they converted twelve of fourteen attempts.
After the game, head coach Lindsay Edmonds said: “I’m really proud of this group. To do what we have done all season long is really, really hard. You’re getting everyone’s best shot. Charlotte played an incredible game; they’re incredibly talented. I felt like, at times, we didn’t play the best versions of ourselves, but we found a way when we were faced with adversity to close out the game on a 6-0 run and get the win. We got the scores when we needed them and got the stops when we needed them. I’m just proud of them for finding a way and not backing down from that moment.”
In the first quarter, Hayes opened scoring for Rice before Ennis hit an early three-pointer as Rice jumped out to a quick lead and maintained it through most of the period to finish ahead by four points.
During the second quarter, Myah Hazelton answered Charlotte’s opening basket before Alexis broke an early tie with her own three-pointer. Ennis helped regain control after Charlotte briefly took the lead as Rice entered halftime up by six.
The third quarter saw Victoria Flores and Alexis extend Rice’s advantage into double digits early on while both teams traded baskets throughout much of the frame; Hayes’ successful three-point play helped maintain their margin heading into the final period.
Charlotte mounted several runs in the fourth quarter to cut into Rice’s lead—including pulling within one point late—but timely plays from Clifton and Ennis restored some distance before strong defense and free throw shooting allowed Rice to close out on top.
Shelby Hayes achieved her fourth double-double this season while Dominique Ennis moved into tenth place all-time in program scoring history. Lindsay Edmonds matched the fastest pace to reach 100 wins among coaches in program history.
Rice now holds an all-time record of eleven wins against seven losses versus Charlotte.
The Owls will return home for their regular season finale against UTSA on Senior Day this Saturday.
