Levi makes his return after a four game absence
UTRGV (7-3, 1-0) men’s basketball demolishes new WAC member Dixie State (4-4, 0-1), 82-49, to start conference play Thursday night at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
The Vaqueros jumped out to a 23-9 lead over the Trailblazers to start the game as Head Coach Lew Hill’s patented ‘Attack with Discipline’ defense forced seven turnovers.
The Trailblazers would give the ball away 29 times throughout the game and the Vaqueros were able to capitalize on those mistakes by getting out in transition and scoring 30 points off those turnovers.
Dixie State junior guard Carmeron Gooden ended the final 1:34 of the half strong by scoring seven straight points, making 5-6 free throws and sinking a mid-range jumper. Gooden ended with a team high 13 points, all coming in the first half.
UTRGV would dominate the second half by ending the game on a 25-11 run to set a program record 33-point margin of victory against a conference opponent which previously stood at 31 against Chicago State.
In a Zoom interview after the game, UTRGV junior guard Javon Levi said the key to their success was the defense they were able to apply in the first half.
“In the first half I think we was playing great defense without fouling and we was creating a lot of turnovers in the first half,” Levi said. “I think that’s a big reason why they really couldn’t score. Great pressure, creating turnovers and scoring off those turnovers, it really took a toll on them.”
Levi made his return to the hardwood after missing the previous four games with an injury with an all-around performance, 12 points, four rebounds, eight assists and four steals in 28 minutes.
Although Levi’s stat line is impressive, Hill highlighted his leadership when he was asked what he most liked about his point guard in his return.
“Just the way he let the game come to him,” Hill said. “He got out leading, defending, doing the things that we need him to do as a senior leader. Just making sure we are taking care of business on the floor.”
Junior forward Sean Rhea finished with a team high 18 points for the Vaqueros as UTRGV is off to the best start to a season since 2004-05.
The Vaqueros will be back in action tomorrow, Jan. 16, at 6 p.m at the UTRGV Fieldhouse as they try to complete the season sweep of Dixie State.
To listen to the game live, visit utrgvradio.com or download the RadioFX app on the Apple Store or Google Play.
For more updates and highlights, visit GoUTRGV.com.
For Vaquero Radio, I’m Luis Rubio.
