The Vaqueros blew out Concordia University 136-81 in an exhibition home game, in the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
The Vaqueros men’s basketball team has added 13 new players to the roster, amongst them was MVP sophomore guard Will Johnston, according to the UTRGV Athletics season preview.
Johnston said he is ready to embrace his role as a new leader for the Vaqueros basketball team.
“Coach really challenged me in being a leader, and I feel like I am really embracing the role,” said Johnston. “Justin is a leader as well, so coming in I am really trying to step into that leadership role and get everyone involved and on the same page when we play these games.”
Johnston put up 17 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds.
Game impacting players also include sophomore forward John Shanu II, who in the 12 minutes played, put up 17 points, three rebounds, and two blocks, and sophomore guard Sherman Brashear put up 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists in the 21 minutes he played.
Head Coach Matt Figger said he has never seen a team performance as the Vaqueros displayed last Wednesday.
“It is my 30th season as a coach and I’ve never seen a team share the ball like that. But that was a priority when we went out recruiting. I wanted guys that were unselfish players who were willing to pass,” Figger said.
The team made 52 out of 84 possible shots, shooting at a 61.9% accuracy, 52 of 41 baskets coming from an assist.
Eight players scored double digits, including senior forward Justin Johnson who contributed 16 points, four assists, and six rebounds.
Johnson said he is thrilled to see the basketball team’s chemistry grow.
“We have been at it since June. Building chemistry as far as with the new team. When the coach said [the stats], it was shocking because I did not know it was that many assists. That’s good, because we have been sharing the ball a lot in practice just building that chemistry. We know it will go a long way during the season,” said Johnson.
The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team will hit the road to take on Kansas State at 8 p.m. today to officially start the new season.
After its season opener, the Vaqueros will return home to battle Southwestern Adventists on Saturday Nov. 12, at 7 p.m.
For more information on the men’s basketball team, visit goutrgv.com.
This is Isaiah Pena for Vaquero Radio.
