The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team defeated Grand Canyon University 83-81 in tonight’s home game featuring Greek life in the Fieldhouse.
At the end of the first half, UTRGV took the lead 40-36. The Lopes battled the Vaqueros point-to-point, tying a total of 17 times with 1,038 fans in attendance cheering on the home team.
The Vaqueros’ record is now 13-12 overall and 4-4 in WAC play.
Head Coach Lew Hill challenged the Vaqueros during practice all week and they responded with their big home win against the Lopes.
“[The win] shows the guys that if we do what we are coached to do that we can beat anybody,” Hill said about tonight’s game. “They are starting to see it, feel it and believe it. So, that’s what this win means to our program.”
UTRGV guard Nick Dixon and forward Xavier McDaniel Jr. led the offense in tonight’s victory. Dixon cashed in 22 points, three rebounds and one steal. McDaniel Jr. scored 17 points, five rebounds and three 3-pointers.
On the Lopes’ side, forward Alessandro Lever led the team with 22 points and seven rebounds. Forwards Keonta Vernon and Oscar Frayer contributed with 11 points each. Guard Casey Benson finished with a double-double, 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Grand Canyon University’s overall record is 17-8 and 6-3 in conference.
“This is just something that we have been working towards the whole year,” McDaniel Jr. said. “You know, top three schools like them, this is why we practice so hard every day, for moments like this.”
Sororities and fraternities competed against one another during the several timeouts throughout the matchup. The contests included dribbling races and balloon popping. Also, campus organizations participated in strolling and a poster competition.
The men’s team will hoop it up against California State University, Bakersfield at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Fieldhouse.
