Vaqueros lasso Pioneers

The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team defeated Wayland Baptist University 86-50 in Tuesday night’s home game in the Fieldhouse, improving its overall record to 12-11 and closing non-conference play.

Vaquero guard Nick Dixon was the game’s impact player, leading the team with 20 points, five assists and three rebounds. Fellow guard Greg Bowie scored 13 points, including a trio of 3-pointers, and tallied three rebounds, three assists and two steals. Guard Moe McDonald finished the game with nine points, with two shots coming from downtown.

“This is one of the best games we executed so far,” McDonald said. “We actually did everything we were supposed to do.”

He said upcoming opponent New Mexico State University will be tough, but the team will take advantage of the three days before the game.

Tuesday night’s game began with Vaqueros taking the lead. The score was 9-2 at the end of the first timeout.

The first half ended with UTRGV ahead at 39-23. The men maintained the lead in the second half as well.

Dixon scored two baskets, a field goal with 9:21 left in the game and a 3-pointer at 8:49. UTRGV had the ball after a brief timeout at 1:48.

UTRGV forward Terry Winn attempts to block Wayland Baptist University guard Tyrone Davis from scoring a basket during Tuesday night’s game in the Fieldhouse.

Wayland Baptist guard J.J. Culver scored at 7:28, leaving the Pioneers at 76-41.

Pioneer guard Chris Doerue scored two baskets during the last lineup.

UTRGV Head Coach Lew Hill said the team practiced last weekend. Hill said he wants the team to stay sharp and focused, especially for the New Mexico game. Hill said the team is ready for the Aggies, who are ranked No. 1 in the Western Athletic Conference.

He said Bowie has more experience and confidence on the court.

“Early on in the year, he didn’t know what to expect … but as he keeps playing, he started realizing that he could play this game,” Hill said.

Asked about Bowie’s change in playing, McDonald replied, “He’s not scared anymore. … He’s always been a shot taker, but now he’s turning into a shot maker.”

Hill also found it impressive the freshman can still keep playing despite a concussion during his first semester.

Bowie said it took him a couple of days after his concussion to become used to playing basketball again.

“After a couple of days, I just started feeling a little bit better,” he said. “Just slowly taking it easy, then running and jumping.”

The team will travel to New Mexico on Saturday.