HOUSTON (Interstat) — The Rice women’s basketball team defeated Middle Tennessee 66-59 on Saturday at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Owls improved to 2-1 overall, while the Blue Raiders fell to 2-2.

Rice built a lead by halftime and held off a fourth-quarter surge from Middle Tennessee, which outscored the Owls 22-23 in the final period. Blair Baugus led all scorers with 22 points and added seven rebounds for the Blue Raiders. Rice’s Aniah Alexis recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.