Texas Rio Grande Valley delivered a resounding 68-51 victory over Houston Christian at Sharp Gymnasium, defying the pre-game prediction that had Houston Christian winning by a slim 1.3-point margin. Instead, the Vaqueros controlled the game from start to finish, led by Marvin McGhee III's impressive 17-point, 6-rebound performance. McGhee III's efforts were complemented by Koree Cotton's 16 points and Filip Brankovic's 12 points, showcasing the team's depth and versatility.
The Vaqueros set the tone early, taking a 31-24 lead into halftime. Houston Christian's Demarco Bethea tried to keep his team afloat, finishing with 14 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Vaqueros' balanced attack. D'Aundre Samuels added 12 points for the Huskies, while Demari Williams chipped in with 8 points, but their efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Texas Rio Grande Valley's dominant showing.
As the second half unfolded, Texas Rio Grande Valley continued to pull away, outscoring Houston Christian 37-27 to secure the 17-point win. The Vaqueros' ability to maintain their intensity and execute their game plan was a key factor in their success. In contrast, Houston Christian struggled to find a rhythm, unable to overcome the Vaqueros' stifling defense.
CHD Scout Report Card
INCORRECTPredicted
Final
The outcome was a significant departure from the predicted score, with CHD Scout forecasting a narrow 69-72 win for Houston Christian. However, Texas Rio Grande Valley's convincing victory demonstrated that they are a force to be reckoned with, capable of outperforming expectations.
This game had real consequences for both teams' resumes, as it was classified as a Quadrant 4 game for both Houston Christian and Texas Rio Grande Valley. For the Vaqueros, the win improves their net ranking to 169, while the loss drops Houston Christian to 309. The Huskies' defeat will likely have a negative impact on their tournament chances, as they struggle to accumulate quality wins.
In terms of tournament implications, Texas Rio Grande Valley's victory keeps them in the mix, albeit still on the outside looking in. The Vaqueros must continue to rack up wins, particularly against stronger opponents, to bolster their case for a postseason berth. Meanwhile, Houston Christian's loss is a setback, but they still have opportunities to redeem themselves and improve their standing.
Ultimately, Texas Rio Grande Valley's dominant performance against Houston Christian is a reflection of their strength and resilience. As the season progresses, the Vaqueros want to build on this momentum, while the Huskies will aim to regroup and refocus their efforts. The outcome of this game serves as a reminder that, in college basketball, anything can happen, and teams must be prepared to adapt and respond to adversity. With this win, Texas Rio Grande Valley has taken a crucial step forward, and their resume is now more impressive, but they still have work to do to secure a spot in the tournament.