TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ Erik Cooper scored a career-high 26 points, including 17 in the first half, to lead Rice to a 60-44 victory over Nevada in the opening game of the Western Athletic Conference men's basketball tournament Tuesday.

Rice (14-15, 5-11 WAC) will play top-seeded Fresno State on Thursday. The Bulldogs swept the Owls in two regular-season meetings.

Rice limited Nevada to 26.7 percent shooting in taking a 31-18 halftime lead. Nevada (10-18, 3-14) never mounted a charge and came no closer than 12 points the rest of the way.

For the game, Nevada shot just 31 percent from the field. Rice wasn't much better at 35 percent, but hit 20 of 32 free throws.

Nevada's 44 points were a season-low, the previous low coming in a 71-47 loss at San Jose State. It was also the fewest points allowed by Rice all season.

Rice's Mike Wilks was held to a season-low nine points, breaking a string of 33 consecutive games scoring in double figures. Brandon Evans added nine points and 11 rebounds for the Owls.

Garry Hill-Thomas had 15 points to lead Nevada, while Richard Stirgus added nine points and 12 rebounds.