HOUSTON – Texas Southern's fourth-quarter comeback attempt fell short Sunday as the Lady Tigers dropped their 2016-17 home opener to intra-city opponent Rice 52-49.
 
Joyce Kennerson scored 11 points and matched her season-best total of seven rebounds to lead the Lady Tigers (5-3), who will play on their home court again until Jan. 14.
 
Jasmine Goodwine scored 12 points to lead the Owls (6-2), who snapped a two-game losing streak to Texas Southern.
 
The Lady Tigers were unable to capitalize on the free throw advantage they enjoyed Sunday. TSU went to the line 31 times, but only made 18 of its chances, a 58 percent showing. Rice also struggled from the line, as the Owls sank only 52 percent (10 of 19) of their free throws.
 
Rice led by as many 13 points early in the fourth quarter, but the Lady Tigers fought back by outscoring their guests 12-3 between the 8:44 and 1:19 marks of the final period.
 
Artavia Ford scored nine points for Texas Southern, while Breasia McElrath chipped in eight points.
 
The loss was the first for the Lady Tigers this season against an opponent from an FBS-level football school; TSU defeated Texas State and Rice's fellow Conference USA program UTEP back in November.
 
The Lady Tigers return to action next Sunday when visit TCU to open a two-game trip to the Metroplex. Tipoff against the Horned Frogs is scheduled for 1 p.m.