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Rice Downs Fresno State 89-74 In Women's Basketball
2/19/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Feb. 19, 2005
HOUSTON- Rice shot 52.5-percent overall and placed three players in double figures during an 89-74 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night at Autry Court.Fresno State (15-9, 7-8 WAC) entered this weekend's road trip riding a three-game winning streak, but tonight's loss to Rice along with a 81-69 setback on Thursday against Tulsa now have the Bulldogs sitting in sixth place in the WAC with three conference games remaining. Rice improves to 17-8 overall and at 10-4 in the WAC, takes over sole possession of second place.
The Bulldogs wasted a tremendous shooting effort from Amy Parrish, who finished with a game-high 23 points on 10-14 shooting as she continues to strengthen her case for All-WAC honors. Parrish also added a team-best seven boards for Fresno State, which outrebounded Rice 37-32.
Fresno State also received contributions from two unlikely sources. Toni Atherley, making her first start since Dec. 19 vs. Washington State, scored eight points and grabbed six rebounds. Brittani Green, who had scored just four points combined over the past eight games, chipped in with eight points and four rebounds.
Rice was led by Krystal Frazier's 17 points, while Lauren Neaves added 14 and Michelle Woods 12.
The Bulldogs made 48.4-percent from the field, knocked down the first basket of the game and never led after that point. Rice connected on 8-19 three-point attempts and made 19-28 from the foul line, extending its lead to double-digits just three minutes into the second half.
The Lady Owls built a 40-36 halftime edge, while their shooting percentage hovered around 60-percent for much of the first half. Fresno State tried to stay close, hitting at 50-percent and 3-7 from beyond the arc.
Fresno State cut the lead to three on two occasions to start the second half, as a jumper from Parrish made it 44-41 with 18:51 remaining.
However, the Lady Owls scored seven straight points to make it 51-41 and the Bulldogs would get no closer than six at 59-53 with 12:35 on the clock.
A free throw from Eshombi Singleton- who had seven assists- gave Rice a 64-54 lead with 10:07 remaining and the Lady Owls never let the Bulldogs cut it to single-digits thereafter.
Fresno State returns home to face Utah Valley State on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. at the Save Mart Center.
