Vaqueros Triumph Over Lions in Dominant Performance
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · University Center
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 96, SE Louisiana Lions 75, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs SE Louisiana Lions?
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros beat SE Louisiana Lions 96-75 at University Center on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs SE Louisiana Lions?
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -170 (about 63% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup on February 21, 2026, the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros defeated the SE Louisiana Lions with a final score of 96 to 75 at the University Center. This victory marks an impressive continuation of the Vaqueros' strong season, as they improve their record to 17-12, while the Lions fall to 8-21.
The Vaqueros entered this game with a formidable recent form, boasting a record of 9 wins and 1 loss in their last 10 games, and they are currently on a one-game winning streak. Averaging 77.3 points scored and allowing 67.6 points, they have demonstrated an ability to both score and defend effectively. Their last game resulted in a 70-65 victory over the Lamar Cardinals, showcasing their offensive capabilities. In contrast, the Lions have struggled, recording only 3 wins and 7 losses in their last 10 games, with a current two-game losing streak. They averaged 61.4 points scored and 67.9 points allowed during this stretch, indicating challenges both offensively and defensively.
When examining the home and away records, the Lions have performed better at home, holding a 3-1 record, while their away record stands at 0-6. The Vaqueros, however, have excelled on the road, achieving a perfect 5-0 record in away games, which further emphasizes their strength this season.
In terms of their head-to-head meetings, the Vaqueros have now won 3 of the last 4 encounters against the Lions, including their previous matchup earlier in the season, where they narrowly edged out the Lions with a score of 68-65. The Lions managed to win one of their encounters last season, but the recent trend favors the Vaqueros.
Injury reports indicate that both teams were at full strength for this matchup, which allowed for a competitive game without the disruption of key player absences. The market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Vaqueros favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 138.5 for the game. The odds reflected the Vaqueros' strong performance leading into the game, and they certainly lived up to expectations.
Game conditions were typical for a late February evening, with both teams ready to compete in front of their fans at the University Center. The atmosphere was charged, and the Vaqueros capitalized on their momentum early in the game.
As the game unfolded, the Vaqueros showcased their offensive prowess, highlighted by key scoring plays in the second half. Filip Brankovic contributed significantly, making crucial free throws that pushed the score to 93-68, while Jalen Ricks capped off a strong performance with a 24-foot three-point jumper, bringing the score to 96-68. The Lions attempted to rally back with scores from Jeremy Elyzee and Isaiah Gaines, but they were unable to close the gap significantly.
Overall, the Vaqueros' performance was a testament to their season-long consistency and offensive firepower, while the Lions will need to regroup and address their recent struggles as they look to finish the season on a stronger note.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | RGV -4.5 | 138.5 o -108 / u -112 | UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros -170 · SE Louisiana Lions +142 |
Leaders
- PointsIsaiah Gaines24SE Louisiana Lions
- AssistsCJ Booker7SE Louisiana Lions
- ReboundsIsaiah Gaines7SE Louisiana Lions
- PointsFilip Brankovic18UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- AssistsJaylen Washington4UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- ReboundsZae Blake7UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
Recent form
SE Louisiana Lions
Last 10: 3-7Streak L261.4 scored · 67.9 allowed per game3-1 at home
- L53-70at East Texas A&M LionsFeb 16
- L66-69at Northwestern State DemonsFeb 14
- W74-62vs Incarnate Word CardinalsFeb 10
- W55-47vs Houston Christian HuskiesFeb 7
- L54-73at Lamar CardinalsFeb 3
- L58-85at Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksJan 31
- L66-76vs McNeese CowboysJan 28
- W67-61vs Nicholls ColonelsJan 24
- L65-68at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 20
- L56-68at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 17
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
Last 10: 9-1Streak W177.3 scored · 67.6 allowed per game5-0 away
- W70-65vs Lamar CardinalsFeb 17
- L57-66vs Stephen F. Austin LumberjacksFeb 14
- W92-72at Nicholls ColonelsFeb 10
- W95-76at LSU New Orleans PrivateersFeb 7
- W74-57vs Houston Christian HuskiesFeb 3
- W106-93at Incarnate Word CardinalsJan 31
- W64-55at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 27
- W68-51at Houston Christian HuskiesJan 24
- W68-65vs SE Louisiana LionsJan 20
- W79-76vs McNeese CowboysJan 17
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 |
Box score
| Stat | UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros | SE Louisiana Lions |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-50 | 24-53 |
| Field goal % | 62 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 16-28 | 4-17 |
| Three-point % | 57 | 24 |
| Free throws | 18-19 | 23-35 |
| Free throw % | 95 | 66 |
| Rebounds | 24 | 28 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 15 |
| Assists | 22 | 12 |
| Steals | 4 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 34 |
| Fouls | 21 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 28 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half62-41Marvin McGhee III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kwo Agwa assists)
- 2nd Half62-43Isaiah Gaines makes 22-foot jumper (Makhi Myles assists)
- 2nd Half62-44Jeremy Elyzee makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-45Jeremy Elyzee makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-45Marvin McGhee III makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half65-47Jeremy Elyzee makes layup
- 2nd Half67-47Kwo Agwa makes 2-foot dunk (Always Wright assists)
- 2nd Half70-47Dane Christensen makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kwo Agwa assists)
- 2nd Half70-49CJ Booker makes layup (Peter Hemschemeier assists)
- 2nd Half72-49Dane Christensen makes 2-foot dunk (Marshal Destremau assists)
- 2nd Half72-51Isaiah Gaines makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half74-51Koree Cotton makes layup (Dane Christensen assists)
- 2nd Half74-52Peter Hemschemeier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-53Peter Hemschemeier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-53Dane Christensen makes 2-foot dunk (Koree Cotton assists)
- 2nd Half76-56Peter Hemschemeier makes 23-foot three point jumper (CJ Booker assists)
- 2nd Half78-56Zae Blake makes driving layup
- 2nd Half78-57Ethan Pickett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-58Ethan Pickett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-58Koree Cotton makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dane Christensen assists)
- 2nd Half81-59Ethan Pickett makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half81-60Ethan Pickett makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-60Jaylen Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-60Jaylen Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half83-63Peter Hemschemeier makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half86-63Marvin McGhee III makes 22-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Washington assists)
- 2nd Half86-66Isaiah Gaines makes 24-foot three point jumper (CJ Booker assists)
- 2nd Half87-66Marvin McGhee III makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half88-66Marvin McGhee III makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half88-67CJ Booker makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-68CJ Booker makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half91-68Jalen Ricks makes 25-foot three point jumper (Filip Brankovic assists)
- 2nd Half92-68Filip Brankovic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half93-68Filip Brankovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half96-68Jalen Ricks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Demarris Winters assists)
- 2nd Half96-70Jeremy Elyzee makes 18-foot jumper (Isaiah Gaines assists)
- 2nd Half96-71Isaiah Gaines makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half96-72Isaiah Gaines makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half96-74Ahmed Essahaty makes driving layup
- 2nd Half96-75Garrett Shoemaker makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours SE Louisiana Lions, below favours UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.
Venue
- University CenterHammond, LA
- Attendance422
- OfficialsAndre Crawford, Chris Balunek, Kevin Boone
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Vaqueros Edge Lions in Close ContestJan 19, 2026