The Owls (5-2) led most of the way, gaining steam after the break and taking their largest lead of 16 points with about 7 minutes left.
Rice's Tamir Jackson tied the game-high with 20 points. Ahmad Ibrahim added 19 points and Connor Frizzelle 12 for the Owls, who finished shooting 44 percent from the field.
Tyler Russell scored 20 points to lead the Huskies (2-5), who shot 42 percent from the field. Art Bernardi added 15 points and Marcus Davis 13 for Houston Baptist.
Davis also pulled down a team-high nine rebounds, but the Huskies got beat on the boards 48-35.