Vaqueros Defeat Islanders in Close Contest
Monday, January 26, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Hilliard Center
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 64, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders 55, 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 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders?
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros beat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders 64-55 at Hilliard Center on January 26, 2026.
Who was favored in UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders?
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros triumphed over the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders with a final score of 64-55 at the Hilliard Center. This victory marks a significant moment for the Vaqueros, who have now secured a winning streak of three games, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
The Islanders entered the game with a home record of 11-10 and had been performing well recently, boasting a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, with an average of 73.0 points scored and 63.0 points allowed. They were riding a one-game winning streak, having defeated the Incarnate Word Cardinals 79-71 just days prior. In contrast, the Vaqueros had a record of 10-11 and were 5-5 in their last ten outings, averaging 73.3 points scored and allowing 67.0 points. Their recent form included a strong win against the Houston Christian Huskies, with a score of 68-51.
At home, the Islanders had a record of 3-2 in their last five games, while the Vaqueros struggled away, holding a record of 1-2. The previous meetings between these two teams this season had seen the Islanders narrowly defeat the Vaqueros 63-59 on January 3, 2026, which added an extra layer of intensity to this matchup. Historically, the Islanders led the head-to-head record 2-1, with their last encounter being a hard-fought battle.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant players missing from either team, which meant both squads could field their strongest lineups. The odds provided by DraftKings indicated that the Islanders were favored to win with a spread of -2.5, suggesting a competitive matchup was anticipated. The total points were set at 135.5, reflecting expectations for a moderate-scoring game.
The conditions in the Hilliard Center were conducive to a spirited contest, with fans on both sides eager to support their teams. As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to several key scoring plays, including free throws from Jaylen Washington and Franck Yetna's three-point jumper that kept the momentum swinging.
Ultimately, the Vaqueros' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities in the second half proved crucial, as they maintained their lead and secured the victory. This win not only enhances their confidence but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season as they look to build on their recent success.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | AMCC -2.5 | 135.5 o -115 / u -105 | UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros +120 · Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders -142 |
Leaders
- PointsNick Shogbonyo12Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
- AssistsLeo Torbor4Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
- ReboundsCenker Evran8Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
- PointsJulien Gomez19UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- AssistsMarshal Destremau2UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
- ReboundsJulien Gomez7UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
Recent form
Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders
Last 10: 7-3Streak W173 scored · 63 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W79-71at Incarnate Word CardinalsJan 24
- L53-69vs McNeese CowboysJan 19
- W68-56vs SE Louisiana LionsJan 17
- W61-50at East Texas A&M LionsJan 13
- L78-79at Northwestern State DemonsJan 10
- W81-65at Houston Christian HuskiesJan 6
- W63-59at UT Rio Grande Valley VaquerosJan 3
- W83-69vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 31
- L71-76vs Nicholls ColonelsDec 30
- W93-36vs Southwestern Adventist KnightsDec 21
UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros
Last 10: 5-5Streak W373.3 scored · 67 allowed per game1-2 away
- W68-51at Houston Christian HuskiesJan 24
- W68-65vs SE Louisiana LionsJan 20
- W79-76vs McNeese CowboysJan 17
- L63-64at Northwestern State DemonsJan 13
- L69-77at East Texas A&M LionsJan 10
- W80-67vs Incarnate Word CardinalsJan 6
- L59-63vs Texas A&M-Corpus Christi IslandersJan 3
- L69-71vs Nicholls ColonelsDec 31
- L69-85vs LSU New Orleans PrivateersDec 30
- W109-51vs College of Biblical Studies AmbassadorsDec 20
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 | Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-49 | 13-47 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 28 |
| Three-pointers | 6-25 | 3-13 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 23 |
| Free throws | 18-25 | 26-41 |
| Free throw % | 72 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 21 |
| Assists | 9 | 9 |
| Steals | 6 | 6 |
| Blocks | 6 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 20 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 18 |
| Fouls | 31 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 12 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 66 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-26Jaylen Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-26Jaylen Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-28Sheldon Williams makes driving layup (Leo Torbor assists)
- 2nd Half36-29Sheldon Williams makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half36-30Mason Gibson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-31Mason Gibson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-32Mason Gibson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-33Mason Gibson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-34D'Avian Houston makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-35Mason Gibson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-36Sheldon Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-36Koree Cotton makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Washington assists)
- 2nd Half39-37Nick Shogbonyo makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-38Nick Shogbonyo makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-38Marvin McGhee III makes 23-foot three point jumper (Marshal Destremau assists)
- 2nd Half42-40Kobi Pearson makes layup (Mason Gibson assists)
- 2nd Half45-40Julien Gomez makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dane Christensen assists)
- 2nd Half46-40Jaylen Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-40Julien Gomez makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dane Christensen assists)
- 2nd Half49-41D'Avian Houston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-41Jaylen Washington makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-42Sheldon Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-45Nick Shogbonyo makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mason Gibson assists)
- 2nd Half53-45Julien Gomez makes driving layup
- 2nd Half53-46Daniel Michelini-Jackson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-47Daniel Michelini-Jackson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half55-47Koree Cotton makes driving layup (Marshal Destremau assists)
- 2nd Half56-47Koree Cotton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half56-49Nick Shogbonyo makes 5-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half58-49Jaylen Washington makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-50Mason Gibson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-51Mason Gibson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half59-51Jaylen Washington makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-51Jaylen Washington makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-52D'Avian Houston makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-52Filip Brankovic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-52Marvin McGhee III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-52Julien Gomez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-52Julien Gomez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-55Franck Yetna makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nick Shogbonyo assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders, below favours UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros.
Venue
- Hilliard CenterCorpus Christi, TX
- Attendance1571
- OfficialsJosue Nieves, Randal Anders, Eric Kronebusch
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