Houston, TX (Sports Network) – Arsalan Kazemi poured in 15 points and pulled down nine rebounds as the Rice Owls downed the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans, 65-55, in a non-conference bout, as part of the 2010 Las Vegas Holiday Hoops Classic at Tudor Fieldhouse.
Connor Frizzelle added 13 points in a reserve roll and Tamir Jackson had 12 points and six rebounds for the Owls (5-4).
The Trojans (6-5), who dropped their fourth consecutive road game, were led by Alex Garcia-Mendoza and Solomon Bozeman, who each scored 13 points in the loss.
Things looked promising for UALR early, as the Trojans connected on 10-of-18 shots, including 6-of-9 three-pointers, to begin the game. From there they cooled off considerably, and Rice took advantage, closing the half on a 13-2 run to lead 31-28 at the break.
The Trojans’ shooting woes continued in the second half, as they made just 8- of-26 field goals. The Owls, meanwhile, shot 50 percent from the floor and led by as many as 17 points in the runaway win.
UALR hit a season-high 10 three-pointers and shot 43.5 percent from beyond the arc, but managed to make just 29 percent of its shots inside the three-point line. The Rice bench was also fundamental in the win, as it outscored the Trojans’ reserves, 28-14.