Rice's 2011-2012 season came to a disappointing end on Wednesday, as the Owls fell 68-66 to East Carolina in the first round of the C-USA Tournament in Memphis.
Rice, the No. 7 seed with a 17-14 record, was a slight favorite over East Carolina, the No. 10 seed with a 14-15 overall mark.
However, despite having a six-point lead with less than six minutes left, they couldn't hold on against the Pirates, as junior F Arsalan Kazemi's potential game-tying jumper fell short in the final minute. Rice fouled East Carolina G Miguel Paul on the rebound, giving the Pirates a decisive 68-64 lead that effectively ended the game.
Kazemi finished the game with 10 points and 12 rebounds while freshman PG Dylan Ennis orchestrated the offense, handing out 11 assists in a losing effort.
East Carolina was led by 16 points from 6'8 245 senior forward Darrius Morris.
While Rice is eligible for post-season play, it remains to be seen whether one of the newer post-season events will pick them up after the NCAA and the NIT wrap up their selections on Sunday.