UT Rio Grande defeats Incarnate Word 80-67

Incarnate Word Falls Short at Home, 80-67

The UTRGV Fieldhouse was abuzz with energy as the home team, UT Rio Grande, took on the visiting Incarnate Word Cardinals in a crucial conference matchup. The final score read 80-67 in favor of the hosts, who showed their mettle by dispatching the Cardinals behind a balanced attack.

As the teams took to the court for the first half, it was clear that home-court advantage would play a significant role in the outcome. UT Rio Grande's Filip Brankovic led the charge with 29 points on 62.5% shooting from the field, including three treys. His efficient effort helped his team build an early lead, outscoring Incarnate Word 44-29 at halftime.

In the second half, Incarnate Word refused to back down, cutting the deficit to just two points with a couple of minutes remaining. However, UT Rio Grande's Julien Gomez and Brankovic combined for six points in the final minute, securing the victory for their team.

Brankovic was nearly unstoppable throughout the game, grabbing nine rebounds and dishing out three assists while also showcasing his defensive prowess with two steals. For Incarnate Word, Tahj Staveskie led the charge offensively with 21 points on 38.9% shooting from the field. The Cardinals' Jordan Pyke rounded out the top performers for his team, chipping in nine rebounds and nine points.

The advanced statistics paint a comprehensive picture of a tightly contested game. UT Rio Grande's 54.9 eFG% and 59.2 True Shooting Percentage were complemented by an impressive four-year rebound rate of 32.6%. Meanwhile, Incarnate Word struggled with their outside shooting, converting just 30% of their attempts.

In the end, it was a well-rounded effort from UT Rio Grande that proved too much for the visiting Cardinals to overcome. With the win, they solidified their position in conference standings and demonstrated their ability to compete against top-tier opponents.