Preview: Rip City Remix at Rio Grande Valley Vipers

EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — Fresh off a dramatic one-point victory two nights prior, the Rip City Remix visit the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in a Western Conference G League matchup Saturday at Bert Ogden Arena.

The Remix (16-11) edged the Vipers (14-12) 86-85 on Thursday in a defensive struggle, a stark contrast to both teams’ typically high-scoring profiles. Rip City will aim for a consecutive win in the series to solidify its playoff positioning.

Rio Grande Valley seeks immediate revenge on its home floor, where it is coming off a 126-119 victory over South Bay on Tuesday. The Vipers’ offense, which averages over 120 points per game at home, will look to rebound from Thursday’s season-low scoring output.

A key matchup will feature two of the league’s most potent scorers. Rip City forward Blake Hinson enters on a torrid stretch, averaging 24.6 points over his last 10 games. He dropped 40 points in a game earlier this month and is coming off a 25-point, 7-rebound performance in Monday’s win over Memphis.

He will be countered by Vipers wing Tristen Newton, who is averaging 23.8 points in his last nine contests. Newton erupted for 32 points and 6 assists in Tuesday’s win and will be central to Rio Grande Valley’s push for a split of this two-game set.

The Remix have won four of their last five, with their offense clicking. Beyond Hinson, center Yang Hansen (19 points Monday) provides an interior presence. The Vipers counter with a dynamic backcourt; alongside Newton, guard Daishen Nix posted a 21-point, 8-assist, 4-block stat line last time out.

Saturday’s contest is the second of a four-game road trip for Rip City. Rio Grande Valley begins a stretch of seven of its next eight games on the road after this home stand finale.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. CST.