I've watch quite a few basketball games on Rice campus. And today reminded me of only one, today's game took me back there. The Rice-UT game, SWC Basketball on ESPN. Over 4,900+ HISD school kids were in the building. Not just the noise, but energy, a lot of energy, and an atmosphere that I haven't seen in years. And that atmosphere was definitely needed today.
Northwood being up by 10(18-28), at the 3:00 mark of the first half, was not the ominous thing on Coach Braun's mind. Getting rid of that double digit lead before half time was. Northwood proved they were adapt at 3 point shooting in the first half. Plus the fact that Rice went on a 3+ minute scoring drought didn't help either. It was almost like they were stuck in a time warp. Somehow they able to snap out of it. By 3 turnovers to cut Northwood's lead to 1(31-32). On a 3pt shot by Seth Gearhart. 32-31 Northwood halftime.
Whatever was said in the locker room at halftime. It worked, because Rice got out to a 10 pt lead (42-32), then stretched it 13 (47-34), then 16 twice(12:34,55-39), (10:52,57-41). Northwood was only able to get as close 8(7:55,57-49). Final 69-56 RICE, 5-5.
Note:Next game UH Cougars, Saturday, in the Dickies Shootout, Toyota Center, 3:30PM.
Note:Next game UH Cougars, Saturday, in the Dickies Shootout, Toyota Center, 3:30PM.
Coach Braun, Staff, and Players thanked the Kids, and Marketing for this school days event. Success is what make of it, and this was good. There maybe another successful venture in the future.
