The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team lost 86-71 to New Mexico State University Saturday night during the regular-season finale in the Fieldhouse.
An audience of 1,200 people watched closely as UTRGV opened the game at the 19:32 mark with a steal that followed a layup by guard Javon Levi.
The opening definitely marked a good path for the Vaqueros as they achieved eight fast-break points during the first half, but that quickly started fading as the points against them started racking up.
UTRGV also attained an outstanding 17 points from turnovers compared with 14 for New Mexico State, but that was just enough to grant them the lead for a couple of seconds during the first half.
“You got to play with toughness. You got to play with effort,” Head Coach Lew Hill said.
The Aggies absolutely dominated the second half and UTRGV wasn’t able to tie at any point during the interval.
Standing strong at 12-2 in WAC play and overall record of 25-5, New Mexico State definitely showed its abilities Saturday night against the Vaqueros.
“They had a good game plan,” UTRGV guard Moe McDonald said. “We tried to come out of their zone, but I’d say they were really prepared. They are ranked No. 1 for a reason and they showed that tonight.”
The night ended on a bad note with UTRGV’s loss, but it was more emotional for guard Nick Dixon, McDonald and forwards Mike Hoffman, Dan Kimasa and Adonis Rwabigi as it was their last game playing at home for the Vaqueros.
“It was a long journey just to get here,” Dixon said. “I appreciate all the fans, my coaches and my teammates. It was bittersweet. I’m gonna miss playing in front of the crowd, the band and everybody.”
With an overall record of 15-16 and 6-8 in conference play, the Vaqueros will enter the Western Athletic Conference tournament as the No. 5 seed.
UTRGV will take on No. 4 Seattle University at 10:30 p.m. Thursday in Las Vegas. The game will be available on ESPN3.
