COL BKB: Syracuse 88, Rice 72

SYRACUSE, N.Y., Dec. 22 (UPI) -- Josh Pace scored 22 points Wednesday night as No. 8 Syracuse fought off Rice, 88-72.

The Owls were within two points early in the second half, but Syracuse went on a 21-9 run to break open the game.

Gerry McNamara and Hakim Warrick scored 19 points each in helping the Orangemen win their fourth straight game. They improved to 11-1.

Rice (5-3) was led by Michael Harris with 25 points. The Owls led by six midway through the first half.