January 14, 1999

HOUSTON, Texas - Junior Kirra Jordan had 21 points and junior Marla Brumfield added 17 as Rice defeated UNLV 73-43 in a Western Athletic Conference women's basketball game Thursday at Autry Court.

Rice jumped out to a quick 8-2 advantage at the start of the contest and increased its lead to 21-7 with 7:59 to play in the first half. UNLV cut the Owl's lead to 10 points at 25-15 with 4:25 left in the half, however Rice went on a 9-0 run and took a 36-19 lead into halftime.

UNLV cut Rice's lead to 14 points early in the second half, but Rice outscored UNLV from there increasing its advantage to 28 points with 8:05 left.

With the win, Rice (9-6, 2-1 WAC) has now won 21 of the its last 22 home games - its only loss during the stretch being to No. 6 Texas Tech earlier this season.

Senior Charonda Wilson assisted Rice in the win by recording a school-record 12 assists. Junior Kim Smallwood led the Owls in rebounding with 10, while adding 13 points.

UNLV (9-4, 1-1 WAC), which had its four-game winning streak snapped, was led by freshman Linda Froehlich's 18 points and eight rebounds. Senior Kristen Pool added nine points and five assists, while freshman Erin Johansson recorded eight points.

Senior Angalete Dye grabbed seven rebounds for the Lady Rebels, who's next action will be on Saturday, Jan. 16 at Tulsa with scheduled tipoff at 12:00 p.m. PST.

UNLV will be back at home at Lied Gymnasium on Jan. 21 against SMU and Jan. 23 against TCU.

All Lady Rebel games may be heard live on KSFN-1140 AM in Las Vegas with Bob Blum calling the action. The Regina Miller Radio Show may be heard five minutes prior to tipoff.