Martin, Williams help Rice beat D-II St. Leo 80-64 in opener

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HOUSTON (AP) — Robert Martin scored 18 points, on 6-of-6 shooting, and Jack Williams added 13 points and 10 rebounds to lead Rice to an 80-64 win over Division-II St. Leo on Tuesday night.

Martin hit three 3-pointers, grabbed six rebounds and had three steals. Ako Adams added 14 points and Josh Parrish scored 10 for Rice (1-0).

Martin's layup gave the Owls their first lead midway through the first half and, after St. Leo's Junior Searcy made a layup to make it 17-all, Trey Murphy III hit a 3-pointer that put Rice in front for good.

Searcy hit a 3 that pulled St. Leo within two with 7:55 remaining but Martin answered with a 3-pointer that sparked a 16-2 run that made it 74-58 when Adams made a 3 with 2:23 left. The Lions made just 1 of 5 from the field and committed five turnovers during that span.

Rusty Moorer led St. Leo with 15 points.