Memphis, TN -- (Sports Network) - Jeremy Wise poured in a game-high 23 points to guide the fifth-seeded Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles to a 59-50 triumph over the 12th-seeded Rice Owls in the first round of the Conference USA Tournament at FedEx Forum.

R.L. Horton added 11 points in the win for Southern Miss (18-13), while Andre Stephens chipped in 10 points for the Golden Eagles.

Patrick Britton tallied 17 points and grabbed seven rebounds to pace Rice (3-27), while Bryan Beasley posted 10 points in the Owls' 20th straight loss.

Rice was held to a mere 33.3 percent shooting from the floor during the first period of play, allowing Southern Miss to take a 27-19 lead into the break.

The Golden Eagles added a 16-of-23 effort from the charity stripe during the second frame en route to the nine-point win.

Southern Miss will play fourth-seeded UCF in the quarterfinals on Thursday.