SAN MARCOS, Texas (AP) -- Patrick Britton scored 24 points, including 14 in the second half, to lead Rice to an 88-81 victory over Texas State on Wednesday night.

Texas State (5-2) cut the lead to 85-81 on a 3-pointer by Brandon Bush with 36 seconds left but could get no closer. Britton and Bryan Beasley hit three free throws for the final margin.

Texas State outscored Rice 20-8 over the first 6:45 of the game. Rodney Foster got 13 of his 17 points in the first half to lead Rice's rally.

The Owls (2-5) took the lead for good at 40-39 on a free throw by Foster with 2:29 left in the first half. The Owls pulled out to a 49-42 halftime lead.

Britton got half of his 24 points at the free-throw line. Paulius Packevicius scored 13 points and Aleks Perka 10 for the Owls.

Bush led Texas State with 17 points. Brent Benson added 15 and Brent Holder 11.