COL BKB: Memphis 77, Rice 50

HOUSTON, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- Chris Douglas-Roberts and Doneal Mack both scored 16 points Wednesday to send second-ranked Memphis coasting past Rice 77-50.

The Tigers (16-0, 3-0 Conference USA) are off to their best start since the 1985-86 season, when they won their first 20 games.

Antonio Anderson added 10 points for Memphis and Joey Dorsey had nine points to go with 14 rebounds.

Memphis set a Conference USA record for the best start in league history, surpassing the 15-0 start Cincinnati had in the 1998-99 campaign.

Rice (3-13, 0-3) was led by Paulius Packevicius with 13 points.

Memphis opened a 40-23 halftime lead and was not pressed during the second period.