TU Golden Hurricane Pummels Rice Owls by 34 Points

Originally Published: Feb 14, 2010 4:30 PM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

TULSA, Oklahoma -- The University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane sent the Rice Owls home with a 34-point loss Sunday, 80-46.

The Golden Hurricane fought tooth-and-nail against the persistent Owls in the first half. While the TU never fell behind, Rice did tie the game twice early and only trailed by as much as six points to the Golden Hurricane.

TU finally pulled ahead with six minutes left in the first half, extending their lead by 13 points at halftime. The Owls trailed the Golden Hurricane, 37-24.

Larrissa Williams had 18 points, three steals and three blocks by half.

The Golden Hurricane continued their dominance through the second half, building their lead from 16 points as the second hand began, to the 18-point margin at the end of the game. The Owls shot only eight points in the paint in the second half, compared to the Golden Hurricane’s 18.

Rice’s D’Frantz Smart and Tara Watts led the Owls in scoring with eight points each. Smart finished with three rebounds, while Watts ended with one assist. Jackie Stanley added seven points.

The Owls’ starters combined for 26 points total.

The Golden Hurricane’s Williams ended with a double-double. She had 29 points and 11 rebounds by the end of the game, while teammate Taleya Mayberry contributed 17 points, three rebounds and three assists. Denise Lewis had 14 points and four rebounds.

The Tulsa University Golden Hurricane hosts SMU Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.