Texas Tech Basketball: Preview of the matchup with Texas-Rio Grande Valley

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LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 10: The Western Athletic Conference logo is shown on the court before the championship game of the Western Athletic Conference basketball tournament between the New Mexico State Aggies and the Grand Canyon Lopes at the Orleans Arena on March 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

About UTRGV

The Vaqueros are off to its best start to its season after 14 games since 2006-07 when they also were 8-6. They snapped a two-game losing streak with a 68-64 victory over McNeese State on Dec. 22 as senior Terry Winn III produced 13 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Winn also tied his career highs with three steals and two blocks. Javon Levi added 13 points while Jordan Jackson contributed 10 points.

UTRGV, which reached the postseason for the first time since 1981 last season, is 7-37 all-time against Big 12 teams. The Vaqueros fell to Oklahoma 91-76 earlier this year and are 0-3 against Power-Seven Conference teams this season.

They like to play fast, although they have shown the ability to play several different styles. UTRGV has scored at least 70 points six times with a high of 91 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the season-opener. The Vaqueros have also allowed 70 or more points six times. Overall, they are averaging 69.1 points a game and surrendering 69.4.

Third-year coach Lew Hill (33-46) returned four starters from last year’s squad, but he has already started 10 different players. He typically uses a nine-man rotation with 6-foot-10 power forward Ndene Gueve, who transferred from St. Bonaventure, is now eligible. Lesley Varner leads the team in both scoring and rebounding.

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