Men’s Basketball Beats Northern New Mexico

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros men’s basketball team beat the Northern New Mexico College Eagles 72-60 on Saturday at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.

Senior Cliff Davis led the Vaqueros (6-4, 1-1 SLC) with a season-high 21 points with a season-high six three-pointers while also grabbing five rebounds, one assist, and one steal. Senior K.T. Raimey scored 14 points while recording five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Freshman Jaylen Washington scored a career-high eight points and dished a career-high six assists in 18 minutes off the bench.

Jesus Mendoza led the Eagles with 15 points while adding four rebounds and one assist. Tahj-Malik Campbell scored 14 points with seven rebounds and three assists.

The Vaqueros came out firing as they took an early 11-0 lead that saw the ball move seamlessly between the Vaqueros as they scored five baskets on four assists. Five different Vaqueros scored on the run, forcing a timeout by the Eagles.

After the timeout, the Eagles clawed back and took the lead using a 17-5 run. The Vaqueros and Eagles started to exchange baskets as Washington and junior Howie Fleming Jr. used their speed to create opportunities and sink layups at the net. Fleming continued to find his way into the paint as he scored another three points at the line after drawing fouls on layup attempts.

With the Vaqueros leading 25-24, senior K.T. Raimey went on a personal 7-0 run sparked by a converted and-one layup and capped by another physical drive. Raimey then used the extra attention inside to find freshman RJ Nance who sunk a three-pointer from the corner to give the Vaqueros a 35-26 lead.

In the final minute of the half, the Eagles and Vaqueros traded baskets with Davis and Nance each hitting a three-pointer to extend the lead to 41-31.

Davis drilled back-to-back three-pointers to start the second half and force an early timeout by the Eagles.

With the Vaqueros leading 47-36 at the 16:56 mark, both teams turned up the intensity on the defensive end as only seven points were scored, all free throws, over the next 7:02. Davis broke the streak of free throws as he hit his fifth three-pointer of the game to extend the Vaqueros lead to 54-38.

With the Vaqueros leading 57-44, Davis hit his season-high sixth three-pointer of the game and Raimey tipped a pass from the Eagles before taking it to the hoop with a behind-the-back finish to extend the lead to 62-44.

The Vaqueros remained in control as the Eagles did not get within single digits the rest of the game.

Up next, UTRGV will host Southern Utah in a non-conference game on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the UTRGV Fieldhouse. Tickets are available for purchase at UTRGVTickets.com. A clear bag policy is in place for all fans at UTRGV facilities.

Fans can watch domestically on ESPN+ or internationally via Southland International.