(01/22/07) THE BRONX ? Two Bronx hoops powerhouses squared off in a major battle Sunday.

Rice, ranked third in the state, took on fifth-ranked Holy Cross. Rice Head Coach Maurice Hicks knew going into the game his team would have to watch out for Holy Cross? Sylvan Landesberg. He did not disappoint, helping his team trail by only two at the half. Landesberg would finish with 25 points on the day.

Despite the close game after the first half, Rice managed to get into a scoring groove later on. Five Raiders scored in the double digits to help Rice win the battle 83-72. The Raiders improved their record to 12-2.