LAWRENCE, Kan. — Rice Owls mounted a second-half comeback effort but could not overcome a slow start, falling 62–55 to the Kansas Jayhawks on Sunday evening at Allen Fieldhouse.

Rice (29-6) struggled offensively early, scoring just 19 points in the first half while shooting 6-for-28 from the field. Kansas built a 31–19 halftime lead and maintained control throughout much of the game.

The Owls showed resilience after the break, outscoring Kansas 20–18 in the third quarter to cut into the deficit. Rice continued to chip away in the fourth, trimming the margin to single digits late, but could not complete the comeback.

Louann Battiston led Rice with 13 points, knocking down two 3-pointers and adding five assists. Dominique Ennis contributed 11 points, while Aniah Alexis added 10 points and five rebounds. Hailey Adams anchored the interior with a team-high 10 rebounds and seven blocked shots.

Rice finished the game shooting 31.1 percent from the field and 20 percent from beyond the arc (6-for-30), though the Owls were efficient at the free-throw line, converting 11 of 12 attempts.

Kansas (21-13) was led by Regan Williams, who scored 15 points off the bench. Jaliya Davis added 13 points and seven rebounds, while S’Mya Nichols chipped in 11 points. The Jayhawks capitalized at the free-throw line, going 21-for-30, and outrebounded Rice 46–30.