Houston Rockets Guard James Harden Takes In Rice's Season Opener

How did Houston Rockets guard James Harden spend his Friday night? By sitting courtside at Tudor Fieldhouse, of course.

Fresh off a triple-double of 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists in a big win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, "The Beard" used his night off to take in Rice’s season-opening game against Eastern Kentucky.

Harden, a five-time NBA All-Star, has a deep connection to Owls first-year coach Scott Pera, too.

Pera was an assistant coach at Arizona State during Harden’s collegiate career with the Sun Devils.

And the girls Harden was hugging during halftime? Pera’s daughters.

It might not have been the most ideal night with Rice losing a 73-72 nail-biter, but it's always cool to see Harden there supporting his old coach.