Balance ran rampant through the Golden Eagles' attack on Rice Friday night. Four players finished in double figures while two finished with nine, leading the team to an 82-65 victory over Rice in the first game of the Blue and Gold Classic.

The balance was set up with a team-total 24 assists, the overwhelming majority coming from freshman Dominic James and sophomore Dan Fitzgerald, who respectively finished with nine and eight assists. The two were able to get looks for players like sophomore Ryan Amoroso, who finished with 10 points, eight of which came from inside they key.

While the balance was a plus, turnovers reared their face again as the Golden Eagles committed 20 of them, which kept Rice in the game for the entire first half. The Owls scored 23 points off Marquette turnovers. The Golden Eagles also failed to capitalize at the foul line after they were in the bonus with just seven minutes gone in the first half by attempting only six free throws.

"I thought for the most part we took too many jump shots when we had the opportunity to go to the basket," said head coach Tom Crean. "But for the most part 24 assists is really good."

Rice's suddenly stagnant offense allowed the Golden Eagles to assert control. Rice was held without a field goal for the final four minutes of the first half, during which Marquette went on a 11-0 run to take a decisive lead.