Vaqueros tame Wildcats

The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team received its ninth win this season by beating Abilene Christian University 103- 83, making its new record 1-4 in conference and 9-8 overall.

The Wildcats have a record of 1-3 in conference and 9-8 overall.

Sophomore guard Sherman Brashear set the tone for the rest of the game by scoring the first two points for the Vaqueros.

UTRGV senior forward Justin Johnson scored his 1,000th career point during the game. 

The crowd cheered as Johnson’s career milestone was announced

He said he was happy to hit 1,000 points. 

“I didn’t even know I was about to hit it tonight, but I’m just proud of myself and my hard work,” Johnson said.

Asked his thoughts on the win, Johnson replied it was a great team effort and they needed the win. 

“Glad we were able to bounce back,” he said.

Johnson plans to keep the momentum going and to prepare for their next match against Chicago State University on Saturday.

“It’s all about preparing and practicing hard,” he said. “This game is in the past, now we just got to look forward to Saturday and winning.”

Johnson put up five rebounds, 25 points and three assists tonight. 

UTRGV graduate forward Dima Zdor finished the game with eight rebounds, 24 points and three assists. 

Asked about his performance tonight, Zdor replied, “I’ll go back to my team. They put me in a position where I could have those numbers tonight.” 

He said sophomore guard Will Johnston is a “great point guard.”

“Will did a terrific job,” Zdor said. “He had 10 assists.” 

He said it was a good team effort. 

“It was easy to perform tonight because what our team accomplished as a whole,” Zdor said.

Johnston ended tonight with three rebounds, 19 points and 10 assists. 

Head coach Matt Figger said he was proud across the board. 

“I’m very proud of these young men,” Figger said. “Everything we do with this team is a first time experience.”

He said they needed a win, and could not walk away without one. 

“We needed to get the monkey off our backs and believe in ourselves,” Figger said. “We still won by 17 but we made it a little scarier than it should’ve been.”

Asked what he thought about the team’s offense, he replied it was the best they have played all year in terms of moving the ball around.

“You know, turnovers, but that’s Abilene’s deal,” Figger said. “They don’t quit. That’s what they thrive on, turning the ball over.”

Wildcat senior guard Immanuel Allen led his team with four rebounds, 26 points and two assists. He was followed by graduate guard Tobias Cameron, who had five rebounds, 12 points and five assists. 

The Vaqueros are set to play at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the UTRGV Fieldhouse against Chicago State University for a nonconference game as part of a double header with the Women’s Basketball Team.