UTRGV sophomore forward Alex Horiuk blocks a shot from Southwestern Adventist junior forward Josiah Hazelton Nov. 6 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse
The Vaqueros dominated the Southwestern Adventist University Knights 110-59 Nov. 6 at the home opener of the season.
Senior Daylen Williams was the lead scorer for the Vaqueros, finishing the game with a career-high 20 points.
Williams spoke about how he wants to lead the team in his senior year.
“It’s just the ‘next-man-up’ mentality,” he said. “Obviously I’m a senior. [There are] a lot of expectations for me from the coaches, from my teammates and from my family. So, I’m just trying to lead by example and show all the young guys what it takes to be successful in this program.”
The Vaqueros contained the Knights to 25 points in the first half.
The team showed intensity throughout the game. Starting with the Vaquero defense that created 43 turnovers. Head coach Matt Figger discussed what is expected from the defense.
“We created a lot of turnovers,” Figger said. “I told you we were going to be a different style defensively. [There are] some things we have to clean up, but I was pleased for the most part.”
Junior guard Hasan Abdul-Hakim made his debut for the Vaqueros, achieving a double-double in the exhibition game, tallying 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Abdul-Hakim explained what he brings to the team in his first season at UTRGV.
“It was a solid performance,” he said.” What I bring to the team is just kind of a guy that can do it all. Score, pass, rebound [and] defend. Whatever play needs to be made, whether it’s offensively or defensively. I just pride myself on that and try to make the right play.”
The season opener also saw graduate guard DeAnthony Tipler Jr. score 17 points and junior guard Elijah Elliot 14.
The Vaqueros will take on the North American University Stallions at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the UTRGV Fieldhouse.
For more information, visit goutrgv.com.
This is Kevynne Aleman for Vaquero Radio.
