Best Start in 23 Seasons With Win Over Dallas Christian

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s basketball team rolled by the Dallas Christian (DCC) Crusaders, 88-44, Monday at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in its final game of 2024.

The win improved UTRGV’s record to 9-4, which is the best start through the first 13 games since 2001-02, when the team started 10-3. Fifth-year guard K.T. Raimey and senior forward Kwo Agwa both recorded double-doubles as Raimey scored 20 points with 10 rebounds and made six three-pointers, and Agwa finished with 10 points and a career-high tying 10 rebounds. Graduate student guard DK Thorn added 17 points with four threes. Thirteen different Vaqueros scored and the team racked up 59 rebounds – its second-best total this season.

Ny’gel Boozer led all scorers with 22 points and had four rebounds to pace Dallas Christian (2-9, 1-0 NCCAA). Carlas Canady scored five points and had team-highs of five rebounds and three assists.

The Vaqueros wasted no time taking control of the game, quickly building a 7-0 lead and never letting the advantage shrink. UTRGV was dominant on the boards, racking up 33 rebounds in the first half alone – matching or surpassing the total rebounds recorded in six games this season in 20 minutes. Agwa the way with eight rebounds in the half.

UTRGV also continued its sharp shooting from behind the arc to build a 44-18 lead at the break. Raimey was the hot hand with a trio of threes in the opening half but was one of six different Vaqueros to be true from deep.

The Vaqueros opened the second half with a 15-0 scoring run and kept the Crusaders off the scoreboard until a pair of free throws were hit with 14:23 left in the game. They moved the ball well and displayed good vision to find open teammates from long distance, resulting in a three-point barrage anchored by Raimey and Thorn, who combined to hit five threes as the lead grew to 62-22.

UTRGV finished with 16 three-pointers, which is the third-most in a game this season. Sophomore forward Tommy Gankhuyag hit a three late in the game, becoming the seventh Vaquero to do so. The Vaqueros held the Crusaders to 20% shooting from the field in the win.

Up next for the Vaqueros (1-1 Southland Conference) is a return to conference play starting with a Saturday game at New Orleans at 5 p.m.