The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
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Rice
Men's Basketball preview: Rice [Dec. 30, 2013]
12.27.2013 | Men's Basketball
The Longhorns close out non-conference play at home against in-state rival Rice on Monday afternoon (1 p.m. Central, LHN) at the Erwin Center.
Texas Longhorns (10-2) vs. Rice Owls (5-6)
Monday, Dec. 30, 2013 - 1:00 p.m. Central
Frank Erwin Center (16,540) - Austin, Texas
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GAMEDAY QUICK FACTS
• TELEVISION: The game will be televised nationally by Longhorn Network. Paul Sunderland (pxp), Reid Gettys (analyst) and Amanda Scarborough (reporter) will call the action.
• RADIO: The Longhorn Sports Network and KVET (FM 98.1/1300AM Sportsradio the Zone) broadcast every UT game on the statewide network. Jon Madani (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check www.TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.
• SERIES: Texas leads, 136-59. Last meeting: Texas 57-41 (Dec. 29, 2012; Austin.)
TEXAS VS. RICE
- Texas leads the all-time series with Rice, 136-59.
- The Longhorns have won eight consecutive games against the Owls, including 15 of the last 16 and 30 of the last 35.
- Rice is UT's third-most common opponent in program history. The former Southwest Conference members will compete for the 196th time on Monday.
- UT owns a 74-21 advantage in games played in Austin during the series. The Longhorns are 7-0 against Rice during the Rick Barnes era, including a 57-41 victory in Austin last season on Dec. 29, 2012.
- The series dates back to a 28-14 Texas victory on Feb. 3, 1915 in Austin.
LONE STAR STATE SUCCESS
- Since Rick Barnes arrived in Austin in 1998, the Longhorns have emerged as the dominant college basketball program in the state of Texas.
- The Horns have posted a 134-19 (.876) record against in-state foes during the Barnes era entering Monday's game, including marks of 27-7 against Baylor, 23-7 against Texas A&M and 29-3 against Texas Tech.
WHAT'S IN A WIN
- A win would mark the 1,685th victory in program history.
- A win would mark head coach Rick Barnes' 369th victory at Texas and his 571st victory all-time as a head coach.
- A win would improve UT's record to 11-2, marking the program's best 13-game start to a season since 2010-11 (started 11-2). It would also mark the 10th time in the Rick Barnes era (last 16 years) that the Horns have opened the year with at least 11 wins in their first 13 contests (13-0 in 2009-10 and 11-2 in 2000-01, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2010-11).
NON-CONFERENCE HOME SUCCESS AGAINST UNRANKED OPPONENTS
During the Rick Barnes era, the Longhorns have posted a 108-5 (.956) record in non-conference home games against unranked (AP) teams. Texas has won 46 consecutive home games against unranked non-conference opponents entering Monday's game against Rice. The last time UT lost to an unranked (AP) team at the Erwin Center came in a 67-66 defeat to Wisconsin on Dec. 29, 2007.
STREAKS AND SUCH
UT enters Monday's contest with a 46-game winning streak at home against unranked non-conference opponents. The Horns are 134-19 (.876) against in-state opponents during the Rick Barnes era. UT is 7-0 against Rice during the Barnes era.
RIDLEY PLAYING BIG
Sophomore center Cameron Ridley leads the team in rebounding (7.8 rpg), blocked shots (31) and FG percentage (.545) and ranks fifth in scoring (10.5 ppg) while averaging 24.9 mpg. He posted 17 points (5-of-10 FG, 7-of-10 FT) and nine rebounds in 31 minutes during last Saturday's loss to No. 5/5 Michigan State.
FRESHMAN SUCCESS AT THE POINT
Freshman point guard Isaiah Taylor leads the team in assists (3.8 apg), ranks second in scoring (12.4 ppg) and minutes (28.5 mpg) and is tied for third in steals (11). He sports a 46-to-28 (1.6-to-1) assist-to-turnover ratio and has reached double figures in scoring in 10 of the first 12 games.
