GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State held Rice even through the opening quarter, but the Owls gradually built separation and pulled away in the second half to secure a 71–47 win Wednesday afternoon inside the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
The Tigers matched Rice point-for-point early, ending the first quarter tied at 10–10. Rice gained momentum in the second period behind perimeter shooting and defensive pressure, holding Grambling to eight points to take a 27–18 halftime lead.
The Owls continued to stretch the margin after the break, outscoring the Tigers 21–15 in the third quarter and closing the game with a 23-point fourth.
Shaniah Nunn led Grambling with 11 points off the bench, while
Zaria Johnson added nine points and a team-high eight rebounds.
Claire Simmons provided a spark in limited minutes, knocking down two three-pointers and finishing with eight points.
Grambling struggled offensively throughout the afternoon, shooting 26.2 percent from the field and 14.3 percent from beyond the arc.
Rice capitalized on efficiency and depth, finishing at 41.4 percent shooting and receiving 32 bench points.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- Rice shot 41.4 percent from the field; Grambling finished at 26.2 percent
- The Tigers were held to 2-for-14 shooting from three-point range
- Both teams finished with 45 rebounds
- Rice scored 20 points off turnovers compared to Grambling's four
- The Owls outscored the Tigers 32–30 in bench points
UP NEXT
Grambling State hosts LeTourneau University on Monday, Dec. 22, inside Willis Reed Court at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center. Tipoff is set for 12 p.m
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