Baylor Bears Defeat UTRGV Vaqueros 96-81 in Home Opener
Monday, November 3, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Foster Pavilion
Baylor Bears 96, UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 81, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs Baylor Bears?
Baylor Bears beat UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 96-81 at Foster Pavilion on November 3, 2025.
The Baylor Bears showcased their strength in their season opener, defeating the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 96-81 at Foster Pavilion. This game marked a significant start for the Bears, who improved their record to 1-0, while the Vaqueros fell to 0-1.
Baylor entered the matchup with a mixed recent form, holding a 4-6 record over their last ten games. The Bears had averaged 68.4 points per game while allowing 68.2, indicating a narrow margin in their contests. Their last five games showed a slight improvement in scoring, with an average of 67.4 points scored and 63.2 points allowed. The Bears' home record in this stretch was 3-2, and they were looking to capitalize on home court advantage against an opponent that has struggled on the road.
In contrast, the Vaqueros had a similar overall record of 4-6 in their last ten games but entered this game on a two-game winning streak. They averaged 73.9 points scored but allowed a higher average of 77.2 points, suggesting defensive vulnerabilities. Their away record was particularly concerning, as they had not secured a win in five attempts, which added pressure to their performance against Baylor.
The game featured a high-scoring affair, with Baylor pulling ahead early and maintaining their lead throughout. The Bears' offense was led by strong performances from their key players, who consistently found ways to score. As the game progressed, Baylor's scoring plays included a series of free throws and layups that helped them build a comfortable lead. Zae Blake contributed with free throws in the second half, while Obi Agbim and Cameron Carr made crucial baskets that extended the Bears' advantage.
In terms of previous meetings, this was the first encounter between the two teams in this season. Baylor's home court, Foster Pavilion, provided a familiar and supportive environment that likely contributed to their performance. The conditions were favorable for basketball, with a solid turnout from fans eager to see their team in action.
Injury reports prior to the game indicated that both teams were at full strength, allowing for a competitive matchup. This absence of significant injuries meant that both coaches could utilize their full rosters, which is crucial in a high-paced game like basketball.
The market had priced Baylor as the clear favorite, reflecting their home advantage and recent form. The odds suggested a strong likelihood of a Baylor victory, which ultimately played out as expected with a final score of 96-81. The Bears' win probability was recorded at 1.0, indicating complete confidence in their ability to secure the win.
As the game concluded, viewers were treated to a display of offensive prowess from Baylor, who will look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures. The Bears' ability to score efficiently and maintain a solid defensive presence will be key as they progress through the season.
Leaders
- PointsCameron Carr28Baylor Bears
- AssistsObi Agbim5Baylor Bears
- ReboundsDan Skillings Jr.9Baylor Bears
- PointsMarvin McGhee III16UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- AssistsAlways Wright4UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- ReboundsMarvin McGhee III9UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
Recent form
Baylor Bears
Last 10: 4-6Streak L168.4 scored · 68.2 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L74-76at Texas Tech Red RaidersMar 13
- W70-56vs Kansas State WildcatsMar 12
- L61-65vs Houston CougarsMar 9
- W61-58at TCU Horned FrogsMar 5
- W71-61vs Oklahoma State CowboysMar 2
- L67-69at Cincinnati BearcatsFeb 26
- L74-76at Colorado BuffaloesFeb 22
- L67-74vs Arizona WildcatsFeb 18
- W74-71vs West Virginia MountaineersFeb 15
- L65-76at Houston CougarsFeb 11
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
Last 10: 4-6Streak W273.9 scored · 77.2 allowed per game0-5 away
- W77-76vs SE Louisiana LionsMar 4
- W88-78vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersMar 1
- L65-100at McNeese CowboysFeb 25
- L84-93at Nicholls ColonelsFeb 22
- L60-66vs Incarnate Word CardinalsFeb 18
- W76-52vs Houston Christian HuskiesFeb 15
- L75-85at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksFeb 11
- L68-70at Lamar CardinalsFeb 9
- L63-79at Northwestern State DemonsFeb 4
- W83-73vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersFeb 1
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stephen F. Austin | 28-6 | - | 20-2 |
| McNeese | 28-6 | 1 | 19-3 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | 19-14 | 6 | 14-8 |
| Texas A&M-Corpus Christi | 18-15 | 7 | 13-9 |
| LSU New Orleans | 15-18 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Nicholls | 14-19 | 8 | 12-10 |
| Houston Christian | 12-20 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Northwestern State | 10-22 | 12 | 8-14 |
| Incarnate Word | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| Lamar | 12-19 | 13 | 7-15 |
| East Texas A&M | 11-21 | 14 | 6-16 |
| SE Louisiana | 9-22 | 14 | 6-16 |
| Arizona | 36-3 | - | 16-2 |
| Houston | 30-7 | 2 | 14-4 |
| Iowa State | 29-8 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Kansas | 24-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| Texas Tech | 23-11 | 4 | 12-6 |
| TCU | 23-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| BYU | 23-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| UCF | 21-12 | 7 | 9-9 |
| West Virginia | 21-14 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Cincinnati | 18-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Colorado | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Arizona State | 17-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma State | 20-15 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Baylor | 17-17 | 10 | 6-12 |
| Kansas State | 12-20 | 13 | 3-15 |
| Utah | 10-22 | 14 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros | Baylor Bears |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-61 | 32-65 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 11-27 | 11-30 |
| Three-point % | 41 | 37 |
| Free throws | 10-11 | 21-32 |
| Free throw % | 91 | 66 |
| Rebounds | 26 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 2 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 30 |
| Assists | 16 | 18 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 2 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 22 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 38 |
| Fouls | 27 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 14 | 21 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half45-64Dan Skillings Jr. made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half45-66Cameron Carr made Jumper.
- 2nd Half46-66Kye Dickson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-66Kye Dickson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-66Marvin McGhee III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Marshal Destremau.
- 2nd Half53-66Marvin McGhee III made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half53-69Tounde Yessoufou made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Isaac Williams IV.
- 2nd Half55-69Jaylen Washington made Jumper.
- 2nd Half55-70Isaac Williams IV made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-70Zae Blake made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-70Zae Blake made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-71Cameron Carr made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-72Cameron Carr made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half57-73Cameron Carr made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-73Filip Brankovic made Jumper. Assisted by Koree Cotton.
- 2nd Half61-73Zae Blake made Layup.
- 2nd Half61-76Cameron Carr made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Dan Skillings Jr..
- 2nd Half63-76Marvin McGhee III made Jumper.
- 2nd Half63-78Cameron Carr made Jumper.
- 2nd Half63-79Caden Powell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half63-80Caden Powell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-80Koree Cotton made Layup.
- 2nd Half65-81Dan Skillings Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-83Tounde Yessoufou made Jumper.
- 2nd Half65-84Caden Powell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half65-85Caden Powell made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half68-85Filip Brankovic made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Zae Blake.
- 2nd Half71-85Julien Gomez made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Marvin McGhee III.
- 2nd Half71-87Tounde Yessoufou made Jumper.
- 2nd Half74-87Marvin McGhee III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Filip Brankovic.
- 2nd Half74-89Dan Skillings Jr. made Layup. Assisted by Tounde Yessoufou.
- 2nd Half74-90Dan Skillings Jr. made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half75-90Zae Blake made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-90Zae Blake made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half76-92Obi Agbim made Layup.
- 2nd Half78-92Dane Christensen made Layup.
- 2nd Half78-94Cameron Carr made Dunk. Assisted by Caden Powell.
- 2nd Half78-95Tounde Yessoufou made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half78-96Tounde Yessoufou made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half81-96Kye Dickson made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jaylen Washington.
Win probability
Above the line favours Baylor Bears, below favours UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.
Venue
- Foster PavilionWaco, TX
- Attendance6422
- OfficialsBret Smith, Darron George, Keith Patterson
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