COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- It's a battle of the birds as the Golden Eagles take on the Owls of Rice University. Tech will take on Rice for the first time in  program history Saturday night in the Eblen Center with a 7 p.m. tip-off. 

Tennessee Tech (1-1) vs. Rice (1-1)
Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012
7 p.m. CT
Eblen Center - Cookeville, Tenn.

The Broadcasts
TV: none
Radio: Fox Sports Radio, 106.1 The Eagle (Roger Ealey)
Webcast: OVC Digital Network (Brandon Goodwin)

Setting the Stage: 
Tech hosts Rice University for the first time in program history. This will also be the first time head coach Jim Davis will coach against the Owls in his storied career. Both teams are coming off tough mid-week losses and a 1-1 record.  Tech was defeated by Akron 78-67 Tuesday night and Rice lost 101-48  to University of Tennessee Thursday. 

A Glance at the 2012-13 Golden Eagles 
The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles remain at the Hoop for game three of a seven game home-stretch.  Tech dropped a heart-breaker Tuesday night to Akron University 78-67, losing to the Zips for the first time in program history.   Three Golden Eagles turned in double-digit scoring performances, but sophomore Diamond Henderson paved the way with a career high 31 points.  The strength of the 2012-13 team is the depth it holds on its roster. Tech's bench provided over half of Tech's points, outscoring Akron's bench 46-10. 

A Look at the Owls 
The Owls return a top-10 rebounder in the NCAA from last season, Jessica Kuster. Kuster also leads the team this season averaging 18.5 points per game.  Rice won their first game of the season when they hosted Prairie View A&M 57-42. In the first part of their Tennessee road-trip, the Owls fell to the University of Tennessee 101-48.  Series History Tech and Rice meet for the first time in program history. 

Tech against C-USA 
Tech is 28-15 against Conference USA opponents. The most recent C-USA Tech has faced is Marshall last season and the Golden Eagles were dealt a 73-68 loss.  

For complete gamenotes, please click here.

For ticket information, visit or call the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center at (931) 372-3940.