Texas A&M too much for Rice women
Texas A&M University could do no wrong against Rice on Saturday, and Rice didn't do anything particularly right.
The result was a 74-60 loss for the Owls.
Texas A&M shot a blistering 64 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes and made 16 free throws in the second half.
The Owls shot just under 40 percent, committed more than twice the number of Aggie turnovers and committed an amazing 26 personal fouls -- five players had four each, including four-fifths of Rice's starting lineup.
The brightest spot for the Owls was center Debi Williams, who scored 17 points and nine rebounds in only 21 minutes, her strongest performance since joining the team this season.
Kim LaLonde had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Lady Owls.
Looking back on this season
Rice has used 14 different starting lineups this season, with only LaLonde starting every game.
Every player on the squad is averaging more than 10 minutes of playing time.
Rice has only two more games remaining in Southwest Conference history, and they are both at Autry Court.
Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. Baylor University comes to town, followed by the season finale vs. sixth-ranked Texas Tech at 2 p.m. on March 2.
The conference tournament is March 6-9 in Dallas.
The Owls have benefitted from the experience of seniors LaLonde, Stephanie Mundschau and Tammy McCallum this season.
Together they account for 28.4 points each game, or just about 40 percent of Rice firepower.
McCallum, who is tied for ninth place on Rice's all-time scoring list, ranks ninth in rebounding and third in steals.
LaLonde ranks seventh all-time in three-point field goals and third in assists. Mundschau is eighth on the Rice career three-point list.
Looking ahead to next season
Help for the Owls is on the way for the WAC with a freshman class considered to be the best in Rice history.
Marla Brumfield, a 5-8 guard, is the premier player on the best team in Texas, Alief Elsik.
A defensive specialist, she was a first-team All-State selection by Texas Basketball Magazine .
Jenny Cafferty, a 5-9 guard from Arden Hills Mounds View High School in Minn., is an explosive offensive player.
Through her junior year, she had over 1,000 points, was carrying a 55-game streak of double figure scoring performances and was named All-American by USA Today .
Kirra Jordan, a 6-1 forward from Sugarland Dulles, averaged 15.4 points and 9.2 rebounds, a needed addition to a frontcourt losing two starting seniors.
Sara Ludwig, a Street & Smith's High School All-American from Springdale, Ark., is a 5-8 point guard with an all-around game.
This item appeared in the Sports section of the February 23, 1996 issue.
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