Having two players among the top 17 offensive rebounders in the country as well as Conference USA’s leading scorer in Trey Freeman makes for a good package for Old Dominion.
The Monarchs got double-digit rebounds from Denzell Taylor and Brandan Stith and 33 points from Freeman to hold off Rice 74-67 on Saturday at Tudor Fieldhouse.
Even though Old Dominion never trailed and built as much as a 17-point lead in the second half, Rice got within three at 64-61 with 2:03 remaining. Then Stith made the defensive play of the game. Stith, who along with Taylor had six offensive rebounds, stole an inbound pass in a one-possession game with 1:29 left.