Dec. 1, 2012

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HOUSTON- Rice's women's basketball team came back from 11 points down to defeat the 17th-ranked mid-major, McNeese State, 60-51 at Tudor Fieldhouse. Megan Palmer led the way for the Owls with 24 points and 14 rebounds.

Rice (3-4) came out of the gate with a 11-9 lead, but McNeese State (4-3) closed the first half with a 12-4 run to take a 31-22 halftime lead.

The Owls, down 49-46, fought back with a 11-0 run, holding the Cowgirls without a basket for 6:50 of game time. Rice tied the game at 49 with 5:06 remaining, then took the lead for good with a Megan Palmer jumper with 3:52 left in the game, before eventually stretching the margin to 60-51.

Palmer led the way with career-highs of 24 points and 14 rebounds, including 18 second-half points. The freshman from Hanszen College posted her first career double-double.

Jessica Kuster posted her second straight and 31st career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. She moved into fifth on Rice's career rebounds list, passing Pat Krieger with 746 career rebounds.

The Owls now take a 12-day break for final exams, and return to the court on Dec. 13, when they host Chicago State at 7 p.m.