HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Rice Owls, one of the hottest teams in women’s college basketball, look to extend their winning streak when they host crosstown opponent Houston Christian on Saturday at Tudor Fieldhouse.

Rice (9-3) has won five straight games, most recently a 71-47 road victory at Grambling on Wednesday. The Owls have been dominant during this stretch, winning each contest by at least 15 points. A key catalyst has been forward Aniah Alexis, who is coming off a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds against Grambling. Over the last seven games, Alexis has averaged 10.7 points and 7.3 rebounds, providing consistent production.

The Houston Christian Huskies (4-5) aim to bounce back from a 70-47 loss at Nicholls State on Thursday. The Huskies have struggled on the road this season, with all five losses coming away from home. Guard Grace Booth leads the team and scored 11 points in the loss to Nicholls. She has been a bright spot, averaging 11.8 points over her last five games, including a 15-point, 8-rebound, 5-assist performance in a win over New Orleans last month.

This nonconference matchup presents a stark contrast in momentum. Rice’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 52.2 points during its win streak. Houston Christian has averaged just 58.6 points in its five losses this season.

The game tips off at 2 p.m. CST on Saturday, Dec. 20. It is the final nonconference tune-up for both teams before league play begins. Rice opens American Athletic Conference action at South Florida on Dec. 30, while Houston Christian begins Southland Conference play at home against McNeese State on Dec. 31.