HOUSTON – St. Edward's men's basketball fell behind early and were unable to make up ground as they fell 85-71 to Rice in Thursday night's exhibition game.
 
Rice jumped out to an early lead, and led by ten midway through the first half. By halftime, the lead had ballooned to 14, 51-37.
 
A pair of free throws by UCHE DIBIAMAKA brought the Hilltoppers within six, 55-49, with 15 minutes to go, but Rice did just enough to stay out of arm's reach the rest of the way.
 
St. Edward's was held to 33.3 percent from the floor and 24.2 percent from three-point range. JAKE KRAFKA led with 23 points, going 8-21 from the field. UCHE DIBIAMAKA added 17 points and LUKE PLUYMEN 10.
 
The Hilltoppers were strong on the boards, trailing just 44-43 with 14 offensive rebounds. Krafka led with nine boards with Venzant, Cook and Dibiamaka adding in eight boards each.

St. Edward's opens the season in Dallas, facing Colorado Christian on November 12.