Marshall University’s men’s basketball team defeated Rice University Saturday, 94-90, to remain undefeated in conference action.

Senior forward James Kelly poured in a game-high 32 points for the Herd (9-9, 5-0) in its victory against the Owls (6-12, 1-4) at Tudor Fieldhouse in Houston, Texas.

Kelly, who shot 13-of-19 from the field and grabbed six rebounds in the contest, is second in Conference USA in points per game (19.4) and third in rebounds per game (9.6).

The Herd has posted a 9-2 record since starting the season 0-7.

Ryan Taylor, who scored 14 points against Rice, recorded a season-high 15 rebound on his way to his fourth double-double of the season.

With the win, the Herd earned its best start to conference play since going 7-0 in 1996-97 when the team was in the Southern Conference.

Marshall’s next match is 7 p.m. Thursday against the University of North Carolina at Charlotte at the Dale F. Halton Arena.