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The Rice Thresher
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by Jose Luis Cubria thresher editorial staff The men's basketball team announced its 2000-'01 schedule earlier this month, and it could provide the Owls the chance to quickly erase the memories of last year's disaster. Looking to rebound from a very forgettable 5-22 campaign last year, Rice opens the upcoming season at the U.S. Naval Academy on Nov. 18. The Owls and Midshipmen opened last year against each other at Autry Court with Rice notching one of its few wins of the year. The scheduled that head coach Willis Wilson announced Aug. 18 features 12 non-conference games, including seven at Autry Court and four on the road. The highlight of the non-league schedule, however, should come when the Owls face former Western Athletic Conference opponent Brigham Young University at the Compaq Center Dec. 9. The University of Houston comes to Autry Court for Rice's home opener Nov. 21, but the non-conference schedule is markedly weaker after that, with a road game against former Southwest Conference foe Baylor University on Dec. 28 as likely the most glamorous game. The rest of the slate includes games against relative unknowns such as Birmingham Southern College, Stephen F. Austin State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Portland State University, Duquesne University and Siena College. Wilson, entering his ninth season as head coach at his alma mater, feels the schedule is solid enough to have the Owls ready for a tough run through the WAC. "It's a challenging schedule that has a nice mix," Wilson said. "We are going to have to be prepared early on with a tough road start against Navy. Then for us to come back and open at home against a cross-town rival in Houston is a great way to start the season. "The non-conference schedule will do a great job to get our kids prepared for conference play." The WAC portion of the schedule has Rice playing two games - one at home and one on the road - against each of the other eight WAC schools. Rice begins conference play at home Jan. 4 against Fresno State University. February should provide the Owls with their most challenging stretch, as they play four of their first six games - all WAC contests - on the road. Barring an appearance in the NCAA Tournament or National Invitational Tournament, the Owls will close their season at the 2001 WAC Tournament at the Reynolds Center in Tulsa, Okla., March 6-10. The Owls, who were plagued by injuries all season a year ago, finished with a 5-22 record. This year's squad will begin practice on Oct. 14.
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