BYU to host Rice in WNIT round of 64

PROVO, Utah — BYU women’s basketball was selected to compete in the 2023 WNIT Postseason Tournament and will host the Rice Owls on Friday, March 17 at 7 p.m. in the Round of 64.

BYU will be making its ninth appearance in the tournament and first since 2017. 

“We are super excited to be hosting the first round of the WNIT,” said BYU head coach Amber Whiting. “These women are really excited to get back out there, play another game and compete for the right to extend our season.”

The Rice Owls went 22-8 during the 2022-23 campaign and finished the regular season on a five-game winning streak before falling to UTSA in the opening round of the Conference USA Tournament.

The Owls are led by four double-figure scorers: Ashlee Austin who scores 12.5 points per game, Malia Fisher at 12.1 ppg, Destiny Jackson with 10.9 points and India Ballamy at 10.7 points per contest.

Rice averages 72.3 points while shooting 44.4 percent as a team and 32.5 percent from 3-point land while holding opponents to 66.6 points, 41.8 percent from the field and 28.3 percent from downtown. The Owls took home the 2021 WNIT Championship by knocking off Ole Miss 71-58.

The Cougars' last trip to the WNIT came in 2017 when they fell to Washington State 72-64 at the Marriott Center. BYU has made nine appearances in the tournament, advancing to the Great Eight in 2010, the third round three times (2013, 2011, 1982) and the second round in 2001.

For more information regarding the Women's NIT Postseason Tournament, the complete bracket and broadcast information, visit womensnit.com.