Austin Spurs edge by the RGV Vipers in Texas showdown

EDINBURG — It was an in-state clash here Tuesday at the Bert Ogden Arena as the Austin Spurs (18-10) edged by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers (18-10) by the score of 94-86.

The dub gives the Spurs a two-game winning streak as they were led by Harrison Ingram's 20-point performance. The loss hands the Vipers their second loss at home (12-2), as they are tied for fourth with Austin in the Western Conference.

Despite the good defensive effort by the Vipers to hold the Spurs under 100 points, in the first quarter, Austin did come off a bit hot as they built themselves a 13-6 lead. Kyle Mangas — who had 12 on the night — hit two threes in the first five minutes of the game before Head Coach Joseph Blair called a timeout.

After the timeout, Caleb McConnell was subbed in to help the offensive groove of the Vipers as he got a quick bucket after the break. 

At the end of the first quarter, it was 22-16, Spurs leading.

The second quarter was a tug of war as there were about five lead changes.

However, it was difficult for any Viper to get any open looks as the Spurs' defense was frustrating to say the least. RGV shot about 31.8% on the night, while Austin shot 50%.

Daishen Nix, who is arguably the Vipers' best scorer, had a tremdously difficult time finding any open space on the floor. If he drove in the basket, he was met by bodies. As much as he likes to swagger his way on the perimeter, he was met with a hand in his face.

Nix and two other players — Tristen Newton and Efe Abogidi — led the offensive effort for the Vipers. Nix and Newton had themselves 15 apiece. Abogidi had himself 13 points.

In the fourth with 9 minutes to go, a crucial defensive play got the Vipers the ball with them looking to attack the 75-73 deficit.

Newton had some good sequences late game by tying it with a free throw and being aggressive. He was able to draw a couple of fouls, the same with McConnell.

Adam Flagler hit a tough left-handed layup in the fourth for the Spurs and Omer Yurtseven answered right back to make it 78-77, Vipers leading.

Newton then proved to be a spark plug for the Vipers as he hit back-to-back threes to give the RGV a three-point lead, 84-81.

With three minutes left, Abogidi did get a basket to keep a one-point lead over the Spurs, 86-85.

However, with 13 lead changes in the game, the Spurs didn't falter too much.

Austin fired back with a 7-2 run as they hit a couple of threes to get them going. A couple of offensive fouls and missed free throws made it difficult for the Vipers to get over the deficit as it grew to eight points, ultimately.

Coach Blair said that this team was very likely going to be a playoff series for the Vipers. That being said, the game did have all the ingredients to simulate a playoff environment.

"This is very likely a matchup for the playoffs for us right here," he said. "And we have to base that, in coming in this game. ... We have to play like it's the playoffs — whether it's us on defense, our aggression and expecting their aggression."

The Vipers will look to bounce back at home against Salt Lake City (13-16) on Friday and Saturday.

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