Women's basketball loses by three

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by Alex Chapman

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They narrowly lost to 24th-ranked Oklahoma State University after a resounding victory over Bradley University. Earlier in the week the team dropped a 69-62 decison to Tulane University.

In the Oklahoma State game, the lead changed hands six times in the final two and a half minutes before Oklahoma States' senior point guard Rikki Chronister hit both ends of a one-and-one, giving the Cowgirls a three-point lead with a minute left.

That proved to be the final margin as Oklahoma State triumphed 65-62.

Rice was in control for most of the first half, carrying a lead nearly the entire time. The Owls went into the halftime break leading 30-29.

The difference in the second half proved to be in free throw opportunities. The Cowgirls made 12 of 15 to the Owls' one of three.

The Owls were up eight when Oklahoma State called timeout with approximately six minutes left to play, but the Cowgirls came roaring back to make it an even ballgame with three minutes to play.

Owl sophomore power forward Angelica Smith, who was named to the Harvey Suites/Rice Classic all-tournament team, had 21 points on 10 of 14 shooting and seven rebounds to lead the Owls.

Senior point guard Kim LaLonde, who was also named to the all-tournament team, had nine points and eight assists.

For Oklahoma State, tournament Most Valuable Player Renee Roberts poured in 15 points.

In the Bradley game, the baskets appeared to have lids on them. After nearly 10 minutes of play, the score was 12-4.

Despite shooting only 25 percent in the first half, Rice was on top 29-22 after the first half.

Smith, who finished the game with 30 points and 13 rebounds, led a recharged Rice team as they outscored the Lady Braves 49 to 29 in the second half en route to a 78-51 win.

LaLonde had 14 points and four assists while Mundschau finished with 10 points.

The Owls' record fell to two wins and three losses for the year, but two of the three losses came against nationally-ranked teams (losing to No. 9 Univeristy of Arkansas and No. 24 Oklahoma State), and the third loss was one in which the Owls felt they shoud have won (against a Tulane squad which went 19 and 10 last year).

The Owls are in action at Autry Court tomorrow at 7 p.m. to take on McNeese State University.

This item appeared in the Sports section of the December 8, 1995 issue.

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