Saint Leo Monarchs @ Rice Owls
Martin, Williams help Rice beat D-II St. Leo 80-64 in opener
HOUSTON -- Robert Martin scored 18 points, on 6-of-6 shooting, and Jack Williams added 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead Rice to an 80-64 win over Division-II St. Leo on Tuesday night.
Martin hit three 3-pointers, grabbed six rebounds and had three steals. Ako Adams added 14 points and Josh Parrish scored 10 for Rice (1-0).
Martin's layup gave the Owls their first lead midway through the first half and, after St. Leo's Junior Searcy made a layup to make it 17-all, Trey Murphy III hit a 3-pointer that put Rice in front for good.
Searcy hit a 3 that pulled St. Leo within two with 7:55 remaining but Martin answered with a 3-pointer that sparked a 16-2 run that made it 74-58 when Adams made a 3 with 2:23 left. The Lions made just 1 of 5 from the field and committed five turnovers during that span.
Rusty Moorer led St. Leo with 15 points.
Game Information
Houston, TX
Referee:Jeff Malham
Referee:Trent Dews
Referee:Chase Vaden
2025-26 Standings
| American ConferenceAmerican Conference | CONF | GB | OVR |
|---|---|---|---|
| South Florida | 15-3 | - | 25-9 |
| Tulsa | 13-5 | 2 | 30-8 |
| Wichita State | 13-5 | 2 | 24-12 |
| UAB | 11-7 | 4 | 20-12 |
| North Texas | 9-9 | 6 | 19-14 |
| Florida Atlantic | 9-9 | 6 | 18-15 |
| Charlotte | 9-9 | 6 | 17-17 |
| Tulane | 8-10 | 7 | 18-15 |
| Temple | 8-10 | 7 | 16-16 |
| Memphis | 8-10 | 7 | 13-19 |
| Rice | 7-11 | 8 | 13-18 |
| East Carolina | 6-12 | 9 | 11-20 |
| UTSA | 1-17 | 14 | 5-25 |
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