The UTRGV Men’s Basketball team flew over St. Francis University with a score of 77-51 in their second home game of the season, in the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
Game impacting players include junior forward C.J Jackson, who in the 26 minutes played, put up 16 points, six rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Senior forward Justin Johnson put up 11 points, five rebounds, and two assists in the 19 minutes he played.
Head Coach Matt Figger said he is gaining encouragement with the depth of the team.
“I had seen enough of certain guys playing, so I decided to go with a certain group of guys. Our bench [players] came through at the end because outside of Will everyone else on the floor was a bench player, they did not start the game. That gives me encouragement that we are developing some depth,” Figger said.
The team made 27 out of 53 possible shots, shooting at a 50.9% accuracy, scoring a total of 71 points with the bench contributing 34 of the total points.
Four players scored double digits, including sophomore guard Will Johnston, who put up 14 points and two rebounds.
Johnston said he and the team are getting into the new system.
“You know, just really understanding how to play in this system. It’s a new system for all of us, and I really want to try and find my role within that. I want to make plays for my teammates and put the ball in the basket,” Johnston said.
The Vaqueros welcomed former head coach Ryan Marks, who served as a part of the vaquero family from 2009-2013, who now serves as head coach of the men’s basketball team at St. Francis University.
“Yeah, almost nine and a half years, [it is] fantastic and a little bit overwhelming in a lot of ways,” Marks said about coming back to the valley.
Marks said he was proud to see the growth of the athletics program.
“Seeing so many familiar faces and so many memories, where the athletic program is now and seeing how coach Figger is building the team,” Marks said.
The UTRGV Men’s Basketball Team will hit the court and take on Western Illinois at 5 p.m. today in the Bert Ogden Area.
For more information on the men’s basketball team, visit goutrgv.com.
