EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — Tristen Newton scored a game-high 36 points and the Rio Grande Valley Vipers used a decisive third-quarter surge to pull away from the Rip City Remix for a 108-99 victory in the NBA G League on Thursday night at Bert Ogden Arena.

The Vipers, who led by just four points at halftime, outscored the Remix 30-25 in the third period to build a cushion they would not relinquish. The win improved Rio Grande Valley’s record to 15-12, while Rip City fell to 16-12.

Newton’s efficient performance, which included six rebounds and three assists, anchored the Vipers’ offense. He was supported by a double-double from Daishen Nix, who finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, and a strong all-around effort from Tyler Smith, who added 18 points and seven rebounds.

The most critical stretch of the game came late in the third quarter. After a layup by Rip City’s Kalib Boone cut the Vipers’ lead to 62-60, Rio Grande Valley unleashed a 17-2 run over the next four minutes to seize control. The burst was fueled by perimeter shooting, as Smith and Newton each hit a 3-pointer, and capped by a dunk from Smith off a steal to give the Vipers a 79-62 advantage. Rip City never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.

The Remix were led by Sean Pedulla, who paced the team with consistent scoring throughout the contest. Andrew Carr provided an interior presence for Rip City, while Blake Hinson contributed eight points and three assists.

Rio Grande Valley’s defense was pivotal, forcing 22 Rip City turnovers and blocking eight shots. Efe Abogidi was a force defensively with 10 rebounds and two blocks, and Cameron Matthews added 10 rebounds and three steals.

The game was the first of a two-game set between the teams at Bert Ogden Arena. They will meet again on Saturday.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Rio Grande Valley was projected with a 61% probability to win. The Vipers have now won three of their last four games, while the loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Rip City.