FRISCO, Texas (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless offense and a dramatic final-minute collapse, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers escaped Dr Pepper Arena with a 121-120 overtime victory over the Texas Legends in a G League thriller on Thursday night.

The contest, a rematch of a November meeting won by the Vipers, lived up to its billing as an offensive showcase. Both teams eclipsed an offensive rating of 118, but it was the Vipers who survived a monumental Texas comeback in regulation before securing the win in the extra period.

Rio Grande Valley guard Daishen Nix delivered a superstar performance, pouring in 44 points to go with eight rebounds and eight assists. His backcourt brilliance was the constant for the Vipers, especially after they squandered a 15-point lead in the final four minutes of the fourth quarter.

The Vipers appeared to have the game in hand, leading 114-108 after a Cameron Matthews 3-pointer with just over two seconds remaining. Texas, without a timeout to advance the ball, needed a miracle. They got one from Ryan Nembhard. The Legends’ guard took the inbound pass, raced upcourt and launched a desperation 26-foot 3-pointer that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, sending the game to overtime tied at 114.

Nembhard finished with 16 points and a staggering 17 assists for Texas, orchestrating an offense that saw five players score in double figures. Miles Kelly led the Legends with 31 points, while Moussa Cisse posted 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

The overtime period was a microcosm of the game: fast-paced and tightly contested. Texas scored the first four points, but Nix answered with a 3-pointer. After a Legends turnover, Nix drove for a layup to put Rio Grande Valley ahead 119-118. Nembhard responded with a driving score of his own to retake the lead for Texas at 120-119.

On the ensuing possession, Nix again took matters into his own hands, driving into the lane for a layup while drawing a foul on Jeremiah Robinson-Earl with 1:36:35 left. He converted the free throw to put the Vipers up 121-120, which proved to be the final score.

Texas had several chances in the remaining minute and a half. A missed jumper by Nembhard was followed by a Vipers turnover, but the Legends could not capitalize, committing a shot clock violation. After a Rio Grande Valley miss, Texas had a final possession but could not get a clean look as the Vipers secured the defensive stop.

Isaiah Crawford provided crucial support for Nix, recording a double-double with 23 points and 13 rebounds for Rio Grande Valley. Tyler Smith added 21 points. For Texas, Robinson-Earl had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Mark Armstrong scored 17 off the bench.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. Texas dominated the interior defensively, blocking 12 Vipers shots, with Cisse and Jamarion Sharp combining for eight. However, Rio Grande Valley’s pressure defense forced 17 Legends turnovers, converting them into 13 steals and a 13-5 advantage in assists. The Vipers also crushed Texas on the offensive glass, 15-7, leading to 22 second-chance points.

With the win, Rio Grande Valley improved to 20-13 on the season, while Texas fell to 13-22. The Vipers next play at Sioux Falls on Feb. 19. Texas will host South Bay for a two-game set starting Feb. 20.