HOUSTON (Interstat) — Jalen Smith scored 13 points and dished six assists as Rice edged Arkansas State 77-76 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Saturday at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Owls (5-6) trailed 35-33 at halftime but outscored the Red Wolves (7-4) 44-41 after intermission. Nick Anderson led all scorers with 14 points for Rice, while Trae Broadnax added 11 points and six rebounds. Arkansas State, which had been a 2.5-point favorite, got 41 second-half points but fell just short. Attendance was 1,125.

HOUSTON (Interstat) — In a game defined by razor-thin margins and a frantic final minute, the Rice Owls edged the Arkansas State Red Wolves 77-76 in a non-conference men’s basketball thriller on Saturday afternoon at Tudor Fieldhouse. The contest, played before an intimate crowd of 1,125, was a statistical near-mirror for three-quarters of the action but ultimately turned on Rice’s superior three-point shooting and its ability to capitalize on Arkansas State’s mistakes in the closing moments. Arkansas State, which entered as a solid favorite according to national metrics, built its game on dominance inside, outscoring Rice 48-32 in the paint. The Red Wolves’ interior focus was led by Jaxon Ellingsworth, who scored 15 points, and Chandler Jackson, who added 17. For much of the afternoon, that strategy appeared sufficient. Arkansas State led 35-33 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage deep into the second half, seemingly in control despite a frigid 4-of-18 performance from beyond the arc. Rice, however, stayed within striking distance by connecting from deep, finishing 10 of 24 from three-point range. That outside marksmanship, coupled with a decisive 19-6 advantage in points off turnovers, kept the Owls afloat as they chipped away at the deficit. The game’s most critical sequence unfolded in the final 40 seconds with Arkansas State clinging to a 76-72 lead. Rice’s Jalen Smith, who orchestrated the Owls’ offense with 13 points and six assists, drained a crucial three-pointer with 13 seconds remaining to cut the lead to one. On the ensuing inbound play, Arkansas State’s Matt Hayman was stripped by Rice’s Cam Carroll, who was fouled with 13 seconds on the clock. Carroll, calm under pressure, sank both free throws to give Rice its first lead since the game’s opening minutes at 77-76. Arkansas State had one final opportunity, working the ball to Jackson for a driving layup that missed. A scramble for the loose ball resulted in a held ball, with the possession arrow favoring the Red Wolves with just six seconds left. Out of a timeout, Arkansas State inbounded to Ellingsworth, who was fouled on a shot attempt with six-tenths of a second remaining. With a chance to win the game at the line, Ellingsworth missed the first free throw, sealing the heartbreaking one-point defeat for the visitors. The loss dropped Arkansas State to 7-4 on the season, while Rice improved to 5-6. Beyond the leading scorers, Rice received key contributions from Nick Anderson, who scored 14 points, including three three-pointers, and Trae Broadnax, who added 11 points, six rebounds and four assists. Arkansas State’s Royal Blue Smith provided 10 points and five rebounds in the losing effort. The game’s efficiency metrics underscored its tight nature. Arkansas State scored 76 points on 70 possessions for an offensive rating of 108.5, while Rice’s 77 points on 71 possessions yielded a nearly identical rating of 108.6. The Red Wolves shot a better percentage from the field (49.2% to 40.6%) but were undone by Rice’s nine more made three-pointers and their own 11 turnovers, which the Owls expertly converted into points. The outcome defied pregame projections, which heavily favored Arkansas State. The Red Wolves will look to rebound on Wednesday at Texas State, while Rice hosts Southwestern Christian on the same night.

HOUSTON (Interstat) — A surging Arkansas State men’s basketball team will look to extend its winning streak when it visits Rice on Saturday at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Red Wolves (7-3) have won four straight games, most recently a 90-78 road victory over Arkansas-Little Rock on Dec. 6. The Owls (4-6) snapped a three-game skid with a 77-72 home win over Texas State on Dec. 3. Arkansas State’s recent run has been fueled by efficient offense and the standout play of guard TJ Caldwell. Over the last five games, Caldwell is averaging 13.8 points, including a 19-point, three-block performance in the win at Little Rock. He scored 20 in a road loss to SMU on Nov. 21, demonstrating his capability as a primary scorer. Rice will counter with guard Trae Broadnax, who is coming off a 16-point, six-assist effort against Texas State. Broadnax has been a consistent facilitator and scorer for the Owls, reaching double figures in points in six of the last seven contests. The matchup presents a contrast in momentum. Arkansas State’s streak includes solid home wins and a resilient overtime victory over North Dakota State. The Red Wolves’ three losses have all come on the road against SMU, Saint Mary’s and Stephen F. Austin. Rice has struggled to find consistency, with its wins coming at home against lesser competition. The Owls’ losses include road defeats at Tennessee and Florida Gulf Coast, as well as a home loss to Tarleton State. Protecting home court against a confident non-conference opponent will be a key test. This game is the final tune-up before both teams break for the holidays. Arkansas State visits Texas State on Dec. 17, while Rice hosts Southwestern Christian the same day. Tip-off is set for Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, in Houston.