Preview: Texas A&M-Commerce at Texas-Rio Grande Valley

EDINBURG, Texas (Interstat) — Texas-Rio Grande Valley looks to solidify its standing in the Southland Conference when it hosts Texas A&M-Commerce on Saturday at UT Pan Am Field House.

The Vaqueros (16-13) enter the matchup with a winning record, while the Lions (11-19) seek to close their season on a positive note. The teams split their previous meeting this season, with Commerce securing a 77-69 home win on Jan. 10.

Texas A&M-Commerce is coming off a heartbreaking 69-68 loss to Houston Christian on Monday. Guard Gianni Hunt was prolific in defeat, scoring 25 points. Hunt has been the Lions’ engine, averaging 16.4 points and 5.1 assists over his last 10 games, including a 28-point effort in a narrow loss at Stephen F. Austin on Feb. 9. The Lions have struggled for consistency, however, alternating wins and losses in their last six contests.

UTRGV had a four-game winning streak snapped in a 75-68 road loss at McNeese State on Monday. Guard Jaylen Washington leads the Vaqueros’ backcourt, averaging 12.6 points and 5.4 assists over the same 10-game span. He erupted for 26 points and six assists in a win at Nicholls State on Feb. 9. The Vaqueros have been strong at home, winning seven of their last 10 in Edinburg.

The game will feature a compelling backcourt duel between Hunt and Washington. Hunt’s high-volume scoring will be crucial for the Lions to keep pace, while Washington’s playmaking will be key for a UTRGV offense that has topped 90 points three times in conference play.

For Texas A&M-Commerce, replicating their defensive effort from the Jan. 10 win, where they held UTRGV to 37% shooting, will be essential. The Vaqueros will aim to leverage their home court and superior record to avenge the earlier loss and build momentum heading into their final regular-season game against Northwestern State on Monday.