Exciting Matchup: UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs. McNeese Cowgirls
The UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros (9-8) are set to clash with the formidable McNeese Cowgirls (13-4) in an eagerly anticipated home matchup. The Vaqueros enter this contest riding a four-game winning streak, while the Cowgirls boast an impressive six-game winning run. This face-off promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams in strong form.
Game Information: UT Rio Grande Valley vs. McNeese
- Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: ESPN+
- Location: Edinburg, Texas
- Venue: UTRGV Fieldhouse
Recent Performance: Last Games Recap
In their latest outing, the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros secured a convincing 78-65 victory over SE Louisiana. The standout performance came from Charlotte O’Keefe, who posted an impressive double-double with 22 points and 22 rebounds, along with contributing three steals and four blocks. Complementing her efforts, Jalayah Ingram added 19 points and dished out seven assists, helping the Vaqueros solidify their momentum.
On the other hand, the McNeese Cowgirls continued their winning ways with a decisive win against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, finishing 59-42. Arianna Patton led the charge with 11 points and two steals, showcasing her precision by shooting 57.14% from the field and 3-4 from three-point range.
Matchup Prediction: UT Rio Grande Valley vs. McNeese
As the teams prepare for this matchup, predictions suggest a competitive battle. Early estimates favor the Cowgirls, with a score prediction of McNeese 68, UT Rio Grande Valley 58.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Team Statistics
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- Scoring Differential: The Vaqueros face a challenge with a scoring differential of -41, averaging 66.1 points per game (196th in college basketball) while allowing 68.5 points, ranking them 279th.
- Leading Scorer: Jalayah Ingram leads the team, averaging 17.7 points per game, which places her 59th nationally.
McNeese Cowgirls
- Scoring Differential: In sharp contrast, McNeese demonstrates a formidable scoring differential of +251, outpacing opponents by an average of 14.8 points per game. They score 67.3 points per game (173rd in NCAA), while their defense is top-notch, allowing just 52.5 points (4th in NCAA).
- Top Performer: Dakota Howard, though not leading in national rankings (463rd) with 12.1 points per game, has been instrumental in establishing the Cowgirls’ defensive strength.
Conclusion
The upcoming encounter between the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros and the McNeese Cowgirls is set to be a thrilling spectacle for basketball enthusiasts. With both teams showcasing distinct styles—UTRGV’s robust offense and McNeese’s staunch defense—fans can expect an action-packed game in Edinburg. To follow the game live, tune into ESPN+ at 3 p.m. ET on January 17.
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Stay tuned for more action as these talented teams battle it out on the court!
