Conference USA Tournament Semifinals: Rob McKiver scored 25 points to lead No. 3 Houston over in-city rival No. 7 Rice, giving the Cougars a spot in the Conference USA Final. C-USA Player of the Year Morris Almond, who had played spectacularly thus far in the tournament, was held to 11 points. No. 1 Memphis won its 21st straight game, defeating No. 4 Tulane 71-49. The Tigers used a 1-3-1 zone to harass the Green Wave, who shot worse than 30 percent from the field. Coach John Calipari said he plans to use the zone the rest of the season. Chris Douglas-Roberts led the Tigers with 17 points. [3/09/07]