Vaqueras scar Cougars

Exemplary teamwork and a strong defense enabled the UTRGV Women’s Basketball Team to acquire its first win in conference play tonight after defeating Chicago State University with a score of 81-44.

The game began with a 3-pointer from guard Quynne Huggins 10 seconds into the game thanks to an assist from guard Nichele Hyman.

The game almost came to a tie at 7:50 when forward Alexandra Cliff made a field goal with an assist from guard Alexa Blake, but the Vaqueras quickly reacted and implemented a fast attack plan that proved to be effective for the rest of the game.

Tennessee native and guard Jameka Dowell scored another 3-pointer at the 7:34 mark and the score just kept escalating after that.

An audience of 750 attendees experienced a fast-paced game in which the Vaqueras led the first half.

UTRGV forward Megan Johnson scores a field goal after dodging Chicago State forward Ines Mata Bouix. The Vaqueras won tonight’s game against CSU 81-44.

Once the second half started, it didn’t take long before the team showed that it was determined to win its first game of the 2018 Western Athletic Conference.

Huggins got the score started once again thanks to an assist from Hyman, and if that wasn’t similar enough, she also scored a 3-pointer.

Their strong defense allowed the Vaqueras to keep a tight score, but their offense is what granted them to keep the lead for the second half of the game as well.

Head Coach Larry Tidwell credited their strong defense to their high rate of field goals.

“The main thing tonight–the ball went in the basket,” Tidwell said. “We shot 50 percent from the field and when you’re shooting good, the ball goes in. You play better defense.”

After losing all its previous conference games of the year, the team looks forward to finishing strong this season.

The Vaqueras overall record is 11-10 and 1-5 in conference play.

“We all wanted to win the WAC championship, but that’s out the door now,” Tidwell said. “But we got to finish strong. We got eight conference games left. We got to position ourselves well for the tournament and we want to have a winning season.”

The UTRGV Women’s Basketball Team will face New Mexico State University Feb. 3 at home in the Fieldhouse.