UTRGV graduate guard Mike Adewunmi jumps for the layup as Northern Arizona University’s guard Mason Stark tries to defend him Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The Vaqueros (2-2) lost 89-87 to the Lumberjacks (3-2), with the game coming down to the wire. “We just couldn’t get our feet underneath us and we had some different lineups out there because of foul trouble and, you know, just couldn’t sustain [it]. … I’m proud of our effort but we’ve got to learn from this game and grow more,” UTRGV Men’s Basketball head coach Matt Figger said. Omar E. Zapata/The Rider Photos
UTRGV graduate guard Mike Adewunmi jumps for the layup as Northern Arizona University’s guard Mason Stark tries to defend him Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The Vaqueros (2-2) lost 89-87 to the Lumberjacks (3-2), with the game coming down to the wire. “We just couldn’t get our feet underneath us and we had some different lineups out there because of foul trouble and, you know, just couldn’t sustain [it]. … I’m proud of our effort but we’ve got to learn from this game and grow more,” UTRGV Men’s Basketball head coach Matt Figger said.
UTRGV Freshman forward Donte Houston Jr. shoots a two-pointer in the paint against Northern Arizona University forward Carson Towt. Houston scored three points and snatched three rebounds Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
The Vaquero, UTRGV’s mascot, cheers on the basketball team while sitting courtside. A total of 1,340 people attended the Battle on the Beach event on South Padre Island Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
UTRGV junior guard Ricky “Doc” Nelson shoots a two-pointer midair against Northern Arizona University Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Nelson finished the game with 10 points, eight assists and one rebound.
UTRGV freshman forward Donte Houston Jr. (left) executes a pick and roll for junior guard Justin Johnson against the Lumberjacks Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Johnson led the Vaqueros with a career-high 35 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double. “His buy-in [with the basketball team] has been the biggest thing and now, hopefully, he sees that there’s opportunity … and be able to continue to grow and have a voice and take on more of a leadership role,” Figger said.
UTRGV graduate forward Marek Nelson dunks the ball from an alley-oop assist from graduate guard Mike Adewunmi against Northern Arizona University players Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. Nelson finished the game with 10 points, four assists and one rebound.
The UTRGV Pep Band performs during a timeout by the Vaqueros in the first half of the game Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center.
UTRGV junior guard Justin Johnson shoots a three-pointer as Northern Arizona University forward Carson Towt reaches out to block the shot during the second half of the game. Johnson went 15 for 18 in shooting and made two three-pointers. “Coach [Figger] prepares us the whole week when we watch film and just showing us how they do their ball screen,” Johnson said. “So, he wanted me to attack and that’s what I did.”
UTRGV junior guard Ricky “Doc” Nelson attempts a game-tying layup with seconds on the clock against Northern Arizona University defenders. Lumberjack guard Jalen Cone hit the game-winning free throws to give NAU the 89-87 lead with 5.88 seconds remaining.
UTRGV junior guard Ricky “Doc” Nelson hits the court floor in frustration after missing a game-tying layup while graduate guard Mike Adewunmi (left) and graduate forward Marek Nelson attempt to comfort him.
Texas Tech University vs. University of the Incarnate Word
University of the Incarnate Word freshman center Benjamin Griscti shoots a three-pointer as Texas Tech University senior forward Marcus Santos-Silva attempts to block the shot Nov. 20 at the South Padre Island Convention Center. The Red Raiders (4-0) beat the Cardinals (0-4) 84-62. The game was part of the UTRGV South Padre Island Battle on the Beach.
Texas Tech University senior guard Adonis Arms shoots a two-pointer midair against University of Incarnate Word freshman center Benjamin Griscti. Arms ended the afternoon with 12 points, two assists and one reround.
