The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team will have a chance at redemption when it faces the Utah Valley University Wolverines at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Fieldhouse for a rematch from last month.
Utah Valley attained the 72-70 victory on Jan. 18 with a layup in the last two seconds of the second half, ending UTRGV’s chances of picking up the win.
“Well, we played hard,” Head Coach Lew Hill said. “They made some runs, we made runs, it was a game of runs. They won because they got the ball last. Whoever got the ball last, we weren’t stopping each other.”
The close game against the Wolverines put things into perspective for the rematch.
“I think we fouled it too much that game,” Hill said. “So, we gotta not foul them as much and keep them in front and just give them one shot and really push in transition.”
Junior guard Chris Freeman said the previous game against Utah Valley was still ingrained in the team’s mind.
“Definitely, that’s the one we’re looking to get back ’cause we lost on a buzzer beater and it was a pretty good game up [until] then, but we felt like we [should have] came out with that win,” Freeman said.
Senior forward Lesley Varner II talked strategy about close games such as the one against Utah Valley.
“Just stay composed and continue, just not to get out of character and everybody play their role and it all comes together,” Varner said.
UTRGV will come into this game having played two games the previous week, which could either prepare or weaken the men’s team going into the game against UVU.
During halftime, Battle of the Colleges will take place in which the deans of different colleges and students are competing in a free throw shooting competition as a part of Homecoming week.
