UTEP got another outstanding performance from Sparkle Taylor, but could not close the gap late as Rice escaped with a 80-76 win Saturday afternoon in the Don.
Taylor posted her second straight 30 point effort scoring 34 points to go along with 11 rebounds, but inconsistencies on the offensive end hurt UTEP despite a hard fought effort.
Rice was led by Nicole Iademarco who scored 23 points and Maya Hawkins who scored 25 points helping the Owls shooting 45.1 percent from the field, and 27-for-37 from the free throw line.
Taylor scored 12 first quarter points, but the Owls started 9-for-13 from the field to win the first quarter 22-20.