Mullins' career day helps Rice hold off St. Edward's 78-73

Dec 14, 2018, 12:10 am

HOUSTON -- Chris Mullins scored a career-high 24 points, including the go-ahead free throws in the final minute, and Rice turned back Division II St. Edward's 78-73 on Kid's Day Thursday afternoon.

There were eight ties and 11 lead changes. The visitors led for more than 10 minutes, until Mullins made a layup with three minutes left to put the Owls on top 70-69. Corey Shervill's layup at 2:23 gave St. Edward's its last lead. Mullins tied it at 1:40 and after a Hilltoppers' miss Mullin hit the tie-breaking free throws with 58 seconds to play.

Jack Williams, who matched his career high with 17 points, all in the second half, then tipped in a Mullins miss with 10 seconds left to seal the game. Williams also added a late free throw as the Owls scored the last seven points of the game.

Ako Adams added 10 points for the Owls (4-6), who were 21 of 26 from the foul line and had a 36-29 rebound advantage behind Williams' eight.

August Haas had 16 points and Shervill and Ryan Garza each added 15 for the Hilltoppers, a top-10 team who used the game as an exhibition.