June 3, 2003

By DENNIS WASZAK Jr.
AP Sports Writer

SITE: Reckling Park; Houston.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Houston won College Station regional: lost to Alabama 9-3; beat Oral Roberts 4-2; beat Texas A&M 7-6; beat Texas A&M 7-6 in 10 innings. Rice won Houston regional: beat McNeese State 3-2 in 10 innings; beat Wichita State 10-1; beat Wichita State 5-2.

COACHES: Houston, Rayner Noble (330-222, ninth year). Rice, Wayne Graham (529-222, 12th year).

TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES (LAST): Houston, 15 (2002). Rice, 10 (2002).

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Houston: OF Michael Bourn (.327), 3B Hyung Cho (.359, 14, 64), OF Gabe Lucas (.283), RHP Brad Sullivan (6-7, 2.71, 152 Ks), DH Travis Tully (.283, ), RHP Ryan Wagner (6-5, 14 saves, 138 Ks), LHP Danny Zell (8-5, 3.47). Rice: RHP David Aardsma (5-3, 10 saves), IF Enrique Cruz (.347, 9, 49), OF Austin Davis (.345, 5, 57), RHP Philip Humber (10-2, 3.16), RHP Jeff Niemann (15-0, 1.65, 130 Ks), 1B Vincent Sinisi (.361, 8, 54), RHP Wade Townsend (9-1, 1.97, 141 Ks).