Box Score
HOUSTON (AP) - Robert Johnson scored 17 points and Derek Michaelis added 15points and 9 rebounds, leading the Rice Owls to a 77-52 victory Thursday nightover the Wyoming Cowboys.
Rice (10-3 overall, 1-0 Western Athletic) won its eighth straight home game.It's the Owls' longest home winning steak since winning nine straight in 1993.
Anthony Blakes had 17 points and 8 rebounds for Wyoming (9-3, 0-1).
Also in double figures for Rice were Jason Skaer with 13 points and ErikCooper with 10 points.
Rice, which never trailed, dominated the second half after managing a 35-29halftime lead. The Owls led 35-30 early in the second half before going on a20-4 streak for a 55-34 advantage with 12:18 remaining.
The Owls pulled away behind the shooting of Johnson and Michaelis, who eachhad nine points after intermission.
The game was tied at 10-10 with 16:03 left in the first half, but Rice wenton 13-3 tear to open up a 23-13 lead.
The Cowboys got to within 28-24 with 5:40 left in the half.
Rice won the rebounding battle 48-34.
The Owls hit 45 percent of their field goal attempts, while Wyomingconnected on 27 percent.
GAME SUMMARY
1st half 2nd half OT Final(V)Wyoming 29 23 - 52(H)Rice 35 42 - 77
Team Leaders Wyoming Rice
Points Blakes-17 Johnson-17Rebounds Blakes-8 Michaelis-9Assists Three players-3 Wilks, Johnson-5Steals Three players-2 Wilks, Tyndell-2
Team Stats
FG % 26.7% 45.8% FT % 61.9% 72.7%3-pt % 25.9% 38.9%
Pts in the paint 12 22Pts off turnovers 7 82nd chance pts 6 12Fast break pts 2 4
Attendance - 2,911
