Event Preview
Overview
The Rice Owls women's basketball team is set to face the UNLV Lady Rebels in a non-conference matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM Eastern European Summer Time (EEST). This game offers both teams an opportunity to test their mettle against quality opposition before diving into their respective conference schedules. For Rice, the game serves as a crucial test to gauge their progress under new head coach Lindsay Edmonds, who is in her first season with the Owls. For UNLV, the matchup is an opportunity to build on their strong start to the season and continue their momentum.
Season Snapshot
Rice Owls
The Rice Owls are entering the 2025-26 season under the leadership of head coach Lindsay Edmonds, who is in her first year with the program. The team has shown promise in the early part of the season, with a record of 5-3 as of early December. Notably, the Owls have demonstrated a strong defensive presence, allowing an average of 62.2 points per game, which ranks them 154th nationally. Offensively, they have been averaging 66.6 points per game, placing them 192nd in the nation. These statistics suggest a team that is competitive but still finding its rhythm under new leadership.
UNLV Lady Rebels
The UNLV Lady Rebels have been a dominant force in the Mountain West Conference, finishing the 2024-25 season with a 26-8 record and securing the regular-season championship with a 16-2 conference record. Their offensive prowess was evident, averaging 75.0 points per game, ranking 40th nationally. Defensively, they allowed 62.4 points per game, placing them 120th in the nation. The Lady Rebels have been picked to finish first in the Mountain West for the 2025-26 season, marking the fourth consecutive year they have been selected as preseason favorites. (unlvrebels.com)
Recent Form
Rice Owls
In their most recent game, the Owls faced a challenging opponent in No. 20 Tennessee, resulting in a 91-66 loss. Despite the defeat, the Owls showcased resilience, with Nick Anderson leading the team with 19 points and Cam Carroll contributing 14 points. This performance indicates that the team is capable of competing against high-level opponents, which bodes well for their upcoming games. (reuters.com)
UNLV Lady Rebels
The Lady Rebels have had a strong start to the 2025-26 season, maintaining an undefeated record as of early December. Their most recent game was a 62-54 loss to No. 7 Baylor, where they were led by Jasmyn Lott and Meadow Roland, who combined for 31 points. This close contest against a top-ranked team demonstrates the Lady Rebels' competitiveness and their potential to challenge elite programs. (reuters.com)
Talking Points
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Coaching Changes: How will Lindsay Edmonds' first season with Rice impact the team's performance and development?
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Defensive Strategies: With Rice allowing an average of 62.2 points per game, what defensive adjustments are necessary to improve their standing?
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Offensive Efficiency: Rice's offense averages 66.6 points per game; what strategies can they employ to increase scoring output?
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UNLV's Preseason Expectations: As the preseason favorite in the Mountain West, how will UNLV handle the pressure of high expectations?
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Player Development: Which players on both teams are expected to make significant contributions this season?
Players to Watch
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Nick Anderson (Rice Owls): Led the team with 19 points in the recent game against Tennessee, showcasing his scoring ability.
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Cam Carroll (Rice Owls): Contributed 14 points in the same game, indicating his role as a key offensive player.
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Jasmyn Lott (UNLV Lady Rebels): Scored 16 points in the loss to Baylor, highlighting her scoring prowess.
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Meadow Roland (UNLV Lady Rebels): Added 15 points in the same game, demonstrating her offensive capabilities.
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Aaliyah Alexander (UNLV Lady Rebels): Selected to the Preseason All-Mountain West Team, indicating her expected impact this season. (unlvrebels.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Coaching Debut: Lindsay Edmonds' first game as head coach for Rice presents an intriguing storyline.
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Defensive Battle: Rice's defensive strategies will be tested against UNLV's potent offense.
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Offensive Execution: Rice's ability to execute offensively will be crucial against a disciplined UNLV defense.
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Player Matchups: The performance of key players like Nick Anderson and Jasmyn Lott could be decisive.
Fun Facts
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Rice's Recent Coaching Change: Lindsay Edmonds is in her first season as head coach for the Owls.
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UNLV's Preseason Ranking: The Lady Rebels have been picked to finish first in the Mountain West for the 2025-26 season. (unlvrebels.com)
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Rice's Recent Performance: The Owls have shown resilience in their early games, including a competitive performance against No. 20 Tennessee. (reuters.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"How will Lindsay Edmonds' coaching debut influence Rice's performance?"
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"Can Rice's defense contain UNLV's high-scoring offense?"
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"Will Nick Anderson continue his strong scoring run against UNLV?"
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"How will UNLV's preseason expectations affect their play on the court?"
Prediction
This matchup presents a compelling contrast between Rice's emerging program under new leadership and UNLV's established success in the Mountain West. While Rice has shown promise, UNLV's experience and preseason expectations may give them the edge in this contest. However, Rice's resilience and potential for growth could make this a closely contested game.