Southern Miss gets better of Rice

HOUSTON Flowers was a perfect 6-for-6 from the foul line for the Golden Eagles, who finished 27-for-33 (81.8 percent). The Owls were just 13-for-23 at the charity stripe (56.5 percent).

Southern Miss (15-9, 5-5 Conference USA) led by three at the break and 38-34 just over 6 minutes into the second half, but went on a game-deciding run from that juncture. The Golden Eagles hit six straight free throws followed by a 3-pointer from Maurice Bolden during a 16-6 run, taking a 54-40 lead they wouldn't relinquish.

Lawrence Ghoram paced the Owls (8-16, 1-9) with 13 points and Lucas Kuipers added 12.

The Golden Eagles have won five of their last six games, while the Owls have lost three of four.