HOUSTON (Interstat) — A surging Rice team looks to continue its dominant run in American Athletic Conference play when it hosts a North Texas squad coming off a significant road win Tuesday night at Tudor Fieldhouse. The Owls (19-3, 9-1 AAC) have won eight consecutive games and sit atop the conference standings. Their most recent victory was an 82-65 rout at Memphis on Saturday, led by Hailey Adams’ 12-point, 12-rebound double-double and a 22-point effort from Dominique Ennis. Adams has been a consistent force, averaging a double-double over her last three games and anchoring Rice’s defense with her rim protection. North Texas (13-9, 6-4) arrives in Houston with momentum after a hard-fought 69-66 win at Temple on Saturday. The Mean Green’s success is heavily tied to the play of forward Megan Nestor, who posted 20 points and 13 rebounds in that victory. Nestor has been a rebounding machine this season, including a remarkable 24-board performance against Florida Atlantic on Jan. 31. She will be the primary focus for an Owls defense that has held opponents to an average of 59.2 points during its winning streak. Rice won the first meeting this season, 70-68, in Denton on Dec. 6. The Owls’ balanced attack, which features four players averaging double-figure scoring, will test a North Texas defense that has been inconsistent in conference play. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CST. Rice will look to maintain its hold on first place before hosting Wichita State on Friday. North Texas, currently in the middle of the AAC pack, aims to build on its Temple win before returning home to face Tulane on Saturday.