HOUSTON (Interstat) — Dior Johnson scored 29 points to lead a potent Tarleton State offense as the Texans defeated Rice 90-74 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Thursday night at Tudor Fieldhouse.

The Texans (4-3) used a strong second half to pull away from the Owls (2-4), outscoring them 53-36 after halftime. Johnson’s 29 points were complemented by 22 from Chris Mpaka and 19 from Camron McDowell. Leroy Kelly added 16 points for Tarleton State, which shot 58.6% from the field.

Rice was led by Nick Anderson with 18 points and Trae Broadnax with 13. The Owls struggled from the free-throw line, making only 11 of 24 attempts. Tarleton State’s defense was also key, forcing 14 turnovers while committing only 12. An announced crowd of 1,099 attended the game.